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Developing Skills for the ‘Real World’

How Stratford’s Student-Run Business Serves the Community While Developing Future Professionals
career and life ready, which are the three big dents post on the school’s social media page
things our district focuses on.” to market their products. When someone pur-
The Tiger Technology Club provides chases a blind, they drive to the Stratford High
these skills by giving students the ability to School, pick it up and bring it home.
create and sell a variety of custom products. The 6x6, fully insulated blinds are
The club produces items like custom fire truck modular, coming apart in six pieces. There-
vinyls, conference tables, banners, doghouses, fore, they can stack the sections on a trailer
metal signage and more. and transport them to their desired location
Many of the products rely on community without specialized equipment. One-way
partnerships. The deer blinds are a result of vision vinyls are applied to the windows to
a partnership with a modular home builder, conceal the hunters inside.
which donates most of the materials needed The start-to-finish process fits the tech ed
for construction. program’s desire to create confident, capable
“Community partnerships are crucial students.
Brock Fritz, Director of Communications tion Teacher Blake Lehman says of the high for us to do what we do,” says Lehman, who “We hope our students gain confidence
Wisconsin Association of School Boards school’s technical education department, advises the Tiger Technology Club alongside in themselves to take on basic projects once
Walk into Stratford High School and you which includes courses on woodworking, Marshall Lehman. “Many local businesses they graduate high school,” Lehman says. “We
might see students constructing a deer blind, construction, graphic design, engineering, donate materials to help us grow our program want our students to continue doing hands-on
crafting metal signage or building a doghouse. metalworking, automotives, electricity, small and allow students to gain access to larger, things, and not have to rely on hiring people
Drive around town months later and engines and manufacturing. There’s also a more advanced projects. Partnerships also to do things that they could do themselves.
you’re likely to see those same products in the Youth Apprenticeship program and a class allow our students to gain connections with We also hope some students are able to find
woods, outside of a local buildings or housing that teaches do-it-yourself skills, such as potential employers.” a career that interests them due to the wide
a member of the Marathon County Police K-9 basic plumbing, electricity, drywall repair, The Stratford construction students, typi- variety of courses we offer.”
unit small engine maintenance, siding repairs and cally juniors and seniors, then build the blinds This article was originally published
That’s the result of the Tiger Technol- everything else students should know before from scratch before marketing and selling in the October, 2025 issue of School News.
ogy Club, a student-run business that designs, graduating and entering the “real world.” them to community members. Reprinted with permission.
builds and sells products to the Stratford com- “These skills are important to help them “They use all basic construction skills,”
munity. safely do basic, hands-on things on their own Lehman says of the skills the students develop.
“Our program specializes in giving stu- once they graduate,” says Lehman, who is “They learn how to read a blueprint, as well
dents exposure in a wide variety of courses entering his seventh year of teaching. “Soft as framing, insulation, siding, shingling, etc.” stratford.k12.wi.us
and career fields,” Stratford Technical Educa- skills will help them become more college, Once the blinds are ready to sell, the stu-

Pittsville High School Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship Program

“Panther Creations”

and graphic design software. Students work
directly with customers to create unique prod-
ucts tailored to individual needs. The program
allows students to develop technical skills
while also learning the importance of commu-
nication, teamwork, problem solving, quality
control, and meeting deadlines.
The goal is to provide students with
authentic learning experiences. By operating
a live business, students see firsthand how
manufacturing and entrepreneurship works in
the real world. They are not just completing
assignments, they are creating products that craftsmanship, and dedication of the students
people, organizations, and businesses actually involved. Through hard work and innovation,
use. The Pather Creations business has pro- these students are proving that hands-on edu-
duced awards for local sports teams, schools, cation can create meaningful opportunities
businesses, community organizations, and both inside and outside the classroom.
special events. To learn more about Pittsville’s Pather
Stephen Hadfield, Technology Education community. As manufacturing continues to evolve Creations Manufacturing & Entrepreneur-
Instructor and CTE Coordinator The student-led business gives learners with advanced technology and automa- ship student run business, view the student
Pittsville Area School District hands-on experience with modern manufac- tion, programs like this help bridge the gap developed website: https://sites.google.com/
Students in the Pittsville Manufacturing turing equipment, design software, customer between education and industry. Pittsville pittsville.k12.wi.us/panthercreations2024
& Entrepreneurship Program at Pittsville High service, production planning, and entrepre- High School’s Manufacturing Program is
School are gaining more than classroom expe- neurship. From personalized recognition giving students the opportunity to learn by
rience — they are running a real business that awards to custom business signage, students doing while making a positive impact in the
creates custom awards, plaques, signs, and are involved in every step of the process. community. www.pittsville.k12.wi.us
other products for customers throughout the Students learn to use industry-standard The success of the live business continues
tools such as laser engravers, CNC machines, to grow each year, showcasing the creativity,