Q: What is your current work career focus?
A: I’ve always wanted to be a welder so I am now getting that experience at Steel Craft Corporation.

Q: What made you want to try an alternative education program?
A: I joined the GPS Ed program after hearing about it from my counselor, Ms. Erickson, and gaining more information about the hands-on learning and on-the-job training it could offer me.

Q: What do you love/like about the GPS Ed program?
A: I enjoy gaining experience in a manufacturing workplace while also earning academic credit.

Q: What are you learning about yourself through this experience?
A: Being in the GPS Ed program has allowed me to learn how efficient I can be on the work floor. I like making an impact.

Q: What does it mean to give back to the community? Explain how GPS Ed is preparing you to be a contributing citizen.
A: We are completing community service activities such as cleaning parks by removing invasive species for the City of Hartford. Additionally, we rang bells during the holidays last year in order to raise money for the Salvation Army. It feels good to be able to give back and help those in need.

Q: How does your family support your work-based learning journey?
A: My mother has pushed me to do my best both in making sure I have my school work completed and pushing myself in the workplace. We all know how important this is and how fortunate I am to get this opportunity. She supports my goal of finding a place on my own when I graduate and wants me to have the means to comfortably support myself.

Q: What does a typical day in your life look like?
A: I get up early Monday through Friday and go to work at Steel Craft from 7:00 am until 11:30 am. After getting lunch, I attend class from 1-3 PM at GPS Ed’s Hartford education center located within the Steel Craft facility. I do that until about 3:30 and then I go home. 

Shout out to our partners for helping students like Carter receive hands-on learning and on-the-job training.