Creating On-Ramps for Our Students

President's Corner

The world is evolving with advances in technology, and career pathways for high school and college graduates are undergoing significant shifts. It is more critical than ever that our K-12 public school systems develop experiential on-ramps to help our students navigate these times and excel in finding their footing in the real world.

At the school district where I am fortunate enough to serve, we have developed some key experiential learning programs that have not only helped students build real-world skills but also have captured their interest, as well as the interest and support of our local community.

Here’s a snapshot.

Minnetonka Public Schools offers two high school programs — VANTAGE and MOMENTUM — that provide experiential learning opportunities blending core materials with elective courses. In addition, each requires students to work on real-life projects guided by a mentor familiar with that field of work. This year, more than 1,000 of the district’s 3,600 high school students are enrolled in one of these programs.

Brent Veninga has been working in the VANTAGE program since its inception over 13 years ago. As Minnetonka expanded VANTAGE to include experiential learning in career pathways, he was a great choice to help lead the work.

In response to community/business feedback, as well as national labor market insights, Minnetonka created specialized pathways in Construction Systems, Engineering and Transportation (automotive and aviation), culminating in the expansion of the district’s tech ed program and the launch of our MOMENTUM program to prepare students for success amid emerging industry demands.

Brad Eby was a charter teacher in the MOMENTUM program after spending more than a decade in more traditional technology education courses. Entering his fourth year in the program, he says he loves this new opportunity for students to develop the skills they need to stand out to employers. One of his current projects in the construction program has students building an ice fishing house. In Minnesota, these buildings are in high demand.

When I asked Brad if he would consider going back to his former role in a more traditional classroom, he replied, “Not by choice. This is what education should be for students.” Real skills for the real world.

During the mentor kickoff this year, Nathan, a current VANTAGE student, shared that he has taken a VANTAGE course during his sophomore, junior and now senior year. I asked him what inspired him to take these types of courses for three years running.

Nathan said he took VANTAGE Computer Science (user design), a course where he and his team worked with a gas station in a nearby town to create the company’s new website. He took Multimedia Communications, a course in which he and his team created a video on recycling for the town of Shorewood, Minn., and it’s still on the city’s website.

This year, Nathan is taking a course on global sustainability. When I asked him why he values these courses, he said, “I love that we are actually going in and doing the work and that what we create is really used. These courses are fun, and we get to focus on things we are passionate about.”

Education continues to evolve to increase relevance and meet the future needs of our students. Based on student interest and staff feedback, these courses are proof that we are moving in the right direction. I encourage all of us to share ways our district is finding new pathways, new on-ramps and new experiences to help the leaders of tomorrow.

David Law is AASA president for 2025-26.