School, local businesses partner for successful Homegrown Talent Initiative

Three and a half years ago Holyoke School District embarked on a journey with a program called Homegrown Talent Initiative, and since then it’s blossomed.

Superintendent Kyle Stumpf reported on the successes of HTI at a members meeting of the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the JR/SR high school’s Center of Innovation.

The idea behind HTI is to provide career connected learning opportunities for students, including internships, capstone projects, career exploration, industry certifications and more.

“We’re really appreciative of what our local business community has done,” said Stumpf, noting that business partners have grown to almost 60 this year.

Students are doing internships all over the community, and Stumpf said one student even got to witness a gall bladder surgery recently.

The HTI program is always looking for more business partners, he told the chamber members. Those interested should call the school at 970-854-2284 and speak with counselors Ashley Clayton and Summer Kreider.

Because Holyoke School District was a part of HTI, it helped Northeast BOCES secure a grant that will allow the other 11 districts to also implement the program at their schools. 

A video at Wednesday’s meeting highlighted HTI’s work around the state, including Holyoke’s innovative program that has grown to be so successful.