GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, Executives were at Doss High School to observe students presenting the final part of their Virtual Classroom experience. The final challenge from GEA to students in the Manufacturing Pathway at Doss High School was to pick a problem at their school and apply the problem-solving methods they learned from GE Appliances' employees.
Students at Doss said it takes a long time to get through the lunch line at their school, which means they aren't able to eat all of their lunches before heading back to class. They proposed changing the physical line, adding new technology for billing and moving condiments from the line to the lunchroom space. The top students (one senior and four juniors) won the prize of presenting their ideas to GEA leaders.
Virtual Classroom Experience
The students received a video tour of Appliance Park and had a live web chat with employees
"The students really took this challenge and ran with it," said Eric Leef, Executive Human Resources Director for Supply Chain. "I was blown away by the poise and critical thinking of these students, and I hope they are part of our future workforce here at GE Appliances.”
In late April, GEA hosted a virtual classroom experience for students at Doss. The students received a video tour of Appliance Park and had a live web chat with employees. Students were able to learn about job opportunities at Appliance Park and the skills, education and training they need to compete for these jobs in the future.
building stronger communities
The virtual classroom shows GEA's commitment to building stronger communities and strengthens the long-standing partnership between the business, one of Kentucky's largest employers, and Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), one of the nation's largest school districts. The real-world school challenge was the final component of the program.
This aligns with the JCPS Backpack of Success Skills initiative, which is an opportunity for students to experience real-world, authentic learning opportunities and use those for their student defenses that take place in fifth, eighth and 12th grades. GEA is encouraging all American manufacturers to partner with their local school districts to launch similar programs in their communities.