In 2018, Gladwin Community Schools partnered with the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, Michigan Works and several area businesses to write a Marshall Plan for Talent grant to help fund initiatives to address labor market shortages in Clare and Gladwin Counties. This talent consortium was awarded $1.24 million dollars and was one of only 9 MPT grants given that year. Two significant goals of that grant were to fully renovate the Gladwin High School Automotive Technology lab located at the high school and to create a part-time Career Navigator position for Gladwin Community Schools.
The current Career Navigator at GHS, Mrs. Sandra Russell, is tasked with providing career exploration, development and preparation experiences and activities for Gladwin students grades 7-12. She assists students and staff in their efforts to provide and learn job readiness skills. As a result of this work, student complete yearly career lessons using a nationally recognized program called Xello. Additionally, the Career Navigator works directly with students to provide career preparation activities such as the 8th grade Reality Store, 10th Grade CTE visits and Mi Career Quest field trip, 12th Grade Mock Interviews, Senior Focus Day. and Work Study placements. Other services provided by the Career Navigator include setting up job shadows for students with local businesses, scheduling guest speakers such as local employers and training facilities. Lastly, the Career Navigator serves as a link to the Gladwin County Michigan Works office to provide funding and support for students as they transition out of high school and into post-secondary training or employment. Mrs. Russell can be reached by calling Gladwin High School at extension 5467, Tuesday through Thursday each week.