It's getting hands-on experience that makes learning more interesting for them.
An innovative center aimed at helping bolster workforce development in Bradley County will add students from a nontraditional alternative school.
Cleveland's GOAL Academy will occupy a portion of the Partnerships in Industry & Education (PIE) Innovation Center, a 290,000-square-foot former manufacturing facility slated to undergo a makeover as an education, job-training and retail site for students.
"Every year, there are graduating students who are desperate for nearby employment opportunities, but they don't know about them," said Kyle Page, the GOAL Academy's principal. "The PIE Center will give students hope through specialized training and mentorship. This partnership is a life changing opportunity for students at GOAL."
The academy, located at 209 Sunset Dr. N.W., has about 74 middle and high school students who have fallen behind for reasons such as illness, emotional setbacks, drug addiction or behavioral challenges, according to GOAL.
Page said that at the PIE Center, students will be under the same roof as employers and professionals who can enrich their life and career skills.
"This poises them for great success after graduation," he said.
GOAL hopes to occupy the PIE Center beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
But GOAL Academy must first find a real estate buyer for their existing location, officials said, and the proceeds from that sale will help prepare the center for students.
A little over a year ago, Bradley County officials said they wanted to move ahead with plans to reuse the old American Uniform Co. factory off North Parker Street.
Gary Farlow, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said the county has purchased the building and the center is now in a design phase.
He said GOAL Academy students can focus on career or technical programs at the PIE Center.
"It's getting hands-on experience that makes learning more interesting for them," Farlow said.
One aim of the center is to turn the old factory into a regional site where local companies can set up production to train workers, officials have said.
Farlow said that Wright Brothers Construction Co. is looking at putting in simulators for heavy equipment operation and diesel equipment training.
Tranco Logistics, a Chattanooga-based transportation and warehouse management business, is examining having sub-assembly work done at the center.
Bradley County students can gain work experience at the 13-acre center, according to officials.
"That's the cool part about the concept," Farlow said. "It blending the private sector with the academic side of it as well."
STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) classes are slated to be offered at the site. In addition, officials have said, there could be retail locations such as a bank branch and restaurants set up at the center.
Bradley County Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash said its priority is addressing concerns about the lack of workforce preparation."
"The amount of students graduating high school with no understanding of their options or opportunities is startling," she said. "Funding the PIE Center and GOAL's transition into the space is our largest obstacle at this point."
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318. Follow him on Twitter @MikePareTFP.