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Automotive
Page 16 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com
Moorhead Career Academy’s Transportation Program Honored
Named Exemplary Secondary Program of The Year by the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence
This award showcases secondary pared to succeed in the changing workforce,” shop, pursued an education degree online, and
level transportation programs that serve as said the community outreach coordinator for helped his parents retire from farming.
exemplary models of institutional support, the career academy. In the fall of 2017, Chantz began teach-
instructional leadership, and program-wide “Philanthropic support from the busi- ing at Moorhead High School, diving headfirst
excellence. ness community extends our reach for forward into reforming and growing the automotive
The MHS Career Academy is chang- thinking school programming and aligns program. He moved away from the tradi-
ing the way students approach high school. future talent pools with business need,” said tional ASE curriculum, which was delivered
Based on industry and professional standards, Superintendent Brandon Lunak. in 3-ring binders and had a history of excel-
the program offers unparalleled experiential Chantz Rud is the Automotive Instructor at lence, but no longer suited students with
learning about careers and self. Partnerships the Moorhead Career Academy. Moorhead individual Chromebooks and shorter attention
with regional businesses provide students with Area Public Schools spans. Over the past seven years, Chantz has
applied learning experiences that ready them Chantz’s journey into the automotive continuously evolved the program, integrating
for career and/or college. Students discover industry began on the family farm near May- modern standards, concepts, competencies,
their passions, explore their options, work ville, ND, where he spent his early years and practices.
toward industry certifications and gain real wrenching. At 15, he acquired his second car, Chantz acknowledges that the program’s
work skills. This programming encompasses a 1971 Nova, and promptly blew it up, forcing success is built on the legacy of those who came
Each year, the Minnesota State Transpor- all Moorhead students in grades 9-12 whether him to learn how to rebuild it. This experience before him. He attributes its achievements to
tation Center of Excellence (TCOE) proudly at the high school or career academy. sparked his passion for the automotive field. amazing students, a phenomenal facility, a
sponsors awards recognizing the remarkable Two years ago, a 10-year sponsorship Despite struggling with various degrees supportive advisory board, a community that
contributions of educators, advocates, sup- commitment was put in place to establish and while in college, Chantz found success recognizes the need, and a dedicated admin
porters, and industry partners in the field of operate the Distribution, Manufacturing, and working at a local hot rod shop, a job he bal- team. Despite having no formal training in
transportation-related education. Nominated Transportation Pathway at the Moorhead High anced with farm work for nearly a decade. mechanics, Chantz is committed to providing
by their peers and selected by a Committee School Career Academy – a critical compo- However, tired of the financial strain, he quit as many students as possible with the opportu-
from our Executive Board, these award recipi- nent to continue to introduce future talent to school, the farm, and hot rodding to drive a nity to learn and grow in the field.
ents have demonstrated exceptional dedication both the distribution industry and the trades. truck. This phase lasted only a year before his
and impact in their roles. “Community and business partnerships sister persuaded him to consider teaching.
Congratulations to the Moorhead Career help meet our regional workforce needs. This For the next two years, Chantz returned www.isd152.org
Academy and instructor Chantz Rud, our 2024 investment yields one of the best returns imag- to his roots in hot rodding, schooling, and
Exemplary Secondary Program of the Year inable—a new generation of creative, capable farming. He reclaimed his job at the hot rod
award recipient! and collaborative future leaders who are pre-
Youth Skills Training Program Grants Available
CAV Career
YST@DLI Program Approval
YST programs are composed of a Pathways Camp
minimum of one school partner and one
employer partner. They may include mul- Are you a high schooler interested in vehicles and the
tiple schools, employers and community
The Youth Skills Training (YST) program organizations. latest technology? Intrigued by self-driving cars and
encourages, promotes and supports the devel- School partners do not need to go automated shuttles? Then the CAV Career Pathways
opment of local partnerships between schools, through a formal approval process, but should
employers and community organizations. meet with YST staff to demonstrate a plan to Camp may be right for you!
These local partnerships provide students with provide the following:
related classroom instruction, safety training, • meaningful industry exposure for diverse Dates: August 4–8, 2025
industry-recognized credentials and paid work students, Location: University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus,
experience in high-growth and high-demand
occupations in the industries of advanced • an offering of at least one industry- Minneapolis, MN
manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, related course for high school credit,
health care and information technology. Suc- • a pathway to industry-recognized certifi- For more information or to apply, contact ctscamps@
cessful applicants will demonstrate the ability cation/credentialing, and umn.edu or visit mncav.umn.edu/outreach/cavcamp
to achieve these objectives through various • paid work experiences in one or more
means including outreach, education, training of the following industries: advanced
and supportive services for students. manufacturing, agriculture, automotive,
Round eight grant timeline health care and information technology.
• Jan. 8 to Feb. 7, 2025: Grant applications Employers must be approved for YST
accepted. paid work experiences prior to student learn-
• Questions are due no later than 4 p.m. ers being placed at employer sites.
Programs are not required to be a YST
Central Standard Time, Jan. 30, 2025. grant recipient to become an approved YST
• Feb. 21 to March 14, 2025: Grant review program.
period To apply or for more information go to
• April 21, 2025: Grant recipients announced https://www.dli.mn.gov/yst
• July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027: Grant per-
formance period