Congratulations to Academy in its success

To the Editor:

To the community,

I read with great interest Greg William’s recent article titled the “Academy releases statistics report.” The article describes the success the school has had placing students in co-op engagements, endorsing the fact many employers have chosen to hire the students they helped train. For years, I have spoken about the importance of Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology to our local economy. As MCIDC has interacted with local employers, we have told them the value of the Academy as our skilled labor development “farm system”: to use a professional baseball metaphor.

I want to commend the Academy for this success in fulfilling its commitments to its students and mission for our community, and those businesses who engaged with the school to provide opportunities for the students should also be commended. They realize the value of this institution and how it plays a critical role in helping to shape and support our local workforce.

I have worked in six communities in my career. Mifflin County, via the Academy and its supporting Mifflin County School District, has one of the strongest entry level worker support programs with which I have worked. It was one of the reasons I chose to come to MCIDC eight years ago. Another part of this effort is the work of the Juniata Valley River Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Education Committee. This coordination and collaboration has helped us remain tied into the business community, bringing their concerns to educators.

In closing, I again congratulate the Academy’s board, administration and staff for these strong numbers, and the positive trend they represent for Mifflin County.

With continuing optimism,

Nick Felice

Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation/MCIDC