More Opportunities for

High School Students in Prince George's County

all photos in this story courtesy of Jim Sherwood

For over 5 years, ASASP Executive Director Doris Reed has been actively pursuing and facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding between the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) and the Washington DC Building and Construction Trades Unions (WBCT), AFL-CIO.  The objective of the MOU is to create a High School Pre-Apprenticeship Program as an alternative pathway to careers for the students of Prince George's County Schools.

It finally happened!

The MOU has been signed!

Dr. William Hite, PGCPS Interim Superintendent, Doris A. Reed, ASASP Executive Director and Verjeana Jacobs, PGCPS Board of Education Chair sign the MOU.  They were joined by James Smallwood, ASASP President, Hugh Weathers, ASASP Assistant Executive Director along with PGCPS carpentry students.

PGCPS and the WBCT have committed to promote and expand technical education, support and guidance to ensure the career opportunities.  Doris has worked diligently across both isles for the implementation of the MOU with the understanding that kids come first.

The signing of this MOU is of the utmost importance and can be a catalyst for repairing America's infrastructure as addressed in President Obama's speech "Rebuilding America" - creating new jobs related to repairing America's infrastructure.

"This has been a long time coming," exclaimed Doris.  "We worked on this through 3 Superintendents and a number of Boards of Education.  There is a serious shortage of skilled labor in the Country; there is no reason for our students not to be able to take the opportunities and fill these positions.  Going into these fields does not preclude anyone from attending college; in fact, students that go into these trades can actually help finance their own college education."

"This agreement is an example of how the Board of Education and labor are working together to increase mutually beneficial opportunities that are uplifting for students and schools," said Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., Interim Superintendent.  "We are working together to prepare young people to graduate college- and career-ready."

Beyond the Classroom (house built by PGCPS students)