Page 70 - Demo

70 SUPERINTENDENT ANNUAL REPORTOFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STUDENT PARTICIPATIONPreparing students for meaningful, high-demand careers remains central to the District%u2019s mission. Measurable growth in student engagement, as reflected by the Office of Small Business Development, underscores this focus. Intentional partnerships with local industry leaders expanded access to authentic, career-connected learning experiences. Participation in industry-focused summits increased significantly in FY26. Table 1 outlines this upward trend.Table 1Scaling Success: Student Engagement TrendsSummit Event FY25 Participants FY26 Participants Growth PercentageGoods & Services 32 39 21.9%Architects & Engineers 40 51 27.5%Construction (New) NA 58 -Collaborative summits bridge education and industry, offering tangible benefits that prepare students for life beyond graduation:%u2022 Real-world exposure provides direct engagement with architects, engineers, contractors, and entrepreneurs shaping Palm Beach County%u2019s economy.%u2022 Participants develop professional communication skills and gain early insight into high-demand industries.%u2022 The successful launch of the Construction Summit highlights growing interest in skilled trades and entrepreneurial pathways.Students connect classroom instruction to viable career options aligned with workforce needs. For community stakeholders, this progress underscores the value of collaboration between education and industry. Structured opportunities help students explore possibilities, build confidence, and make informed decisions about the future. The department remains committed to expanding these programs, ensuring every student has access to meaningful career exploration experiences that lead to long-term success.MC Harry & Associates and Suncoast HS Engineering Academy students plan and sketch a flexible-use outdoor space for the future.President of Kasper Electric discusses the power of trades with Construction Academy students from Lake Worth Community HS, Santaluces Community HS, and William T. Dwyer HS.