QUILCENE — Using three-dimensional geographic software to map residences for the fire department.
Selling seafood to markets all over the world.
Starting a custom sewing business that markets to teenage athletes.
Editing music and videos.
Starting a chamber music ensemble.
These are just some of the student projects that are coming to life at Quilcene High School under the Connecting Schools and Communities program.
“Joy and I are charged with linking the high school with businesses and organizations in the community,” Joe Baisch said.
“Instead of students learning in the school, they’re out learning in the community.”
Stressing business
Joe and Joy Baisch are program coordinators of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to bring real-world learning opportunities to students in Quilcene schools.
After visiting other schools last year, the couple is now instigating student-run business projects that could reach out of the classroom and impact the Quilcene economy.
“Of all the five schools (that received grants), we are the only team that is stressing business,” Joe Baisch said.
“Our interest is entrepreneurial. It’s a new way of looking at things.”