'Citizen Teachers' Help Students Outside The Classroom With Apprenticeships

Looking to enhance the learning opportunities of children at a Boston school, Eric Schwarz volunteered to teach skills he had acquired from his career as a journalist.

NBC Nightly News reports the experience inspired Schwarz and friend Ned Rimer to found Citizen Schools, a program that encourages everyday Americans to get involved apprenticing local children in their field.

Supporters can make a contribution to support the national Citizen Schools program.

NBC Nightly News reports.

WATCH:

Comments

[Adam Warrenchak]

05:02 PM on 10/24/2010

fantastic idea.

[atexasdem]

04:43 PM on 10/21/2010

I wish we did in Texas. I'm a semi retired, unrestricted master electrician. Certifications in design and installation of solar and wind energy systems and I'd love to pass my knowledge on. With the aging of us baby boomers there will be a shortage of tradesmen in all the crafts. Young people are actually being discouraged from becoming plumbers, electricians, masons, iron workers, etc.. Why can't I teach my trade in schools? Because I don't have a collage degree.
Those few who are learning the trades are learning from their fathers or patrons. I became enraged when my grandson's high school "guidance councilor" said those who don't go to collage are doomed to failure. As an electrician I always made good money, worked where I wanted and was always in demand. My one son does HVAC, fixes those walk in coolers and giant commercial freezers. He installs and repairs commercial ovens and food preparation equipment. He too makes a good living and is always in demand. When a store or a restaurants freezers go down they have to be fixed and quickly.He's there.
Our schools are failing our young people. Our schools are supposed to prepare our young people for life, for a career. By the time someone graduates from high school they should have a solid foundation to build on. It seems that all the high schools want to do is get the kid out the door unless he's on a collage track.

[hawkseye]

07:47 PM on 10/19/2010

Most school districts in California, and I expect elsewhere, have such programs.