'Since I got my certification, I can get a job': Teaching trade in high school
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee high school is doing what they can to combat gun violence by offering students the opportunity to learn work in the trades.
Messmer High School on Milwaukee's north side provides education in everything from welding to carpentry to nursing.
Messmer's principal, Shenora Jordan, said these programs provide both hope and life-changing skills.
"She (student) can be more than a statistic, or a hashtag, or a vigil on the side of the street. There's hope and potential here, and we are doing it by pushing and promoting these programs," said Jordan.
Jordan said she is painfully aware of the young lives lost and affected by gun violence throughout the city.
"To think that students are losing their lives, kids are losing their lives, and there is nothing that we can do to stop it in the community just yet, it's heartbreaking, I'm outraged," said Jordan.
It's that heartbreak she's looking to mend, offering her students new opportunities in the trades, a work experience often overlooked, an experience she said can offer her students a new life.
"We have four students that are now certified to do welding, we have seven students that received their certified nursing certification," said Jordan.
One of those students, senior Taron Cooper, is taking advantage of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
"Since I got my certification, I can get a job as a CNA and get paid a lot," said Cooper with a smile.
Cooper, a senior athlete, while excited for his new future, said he knows all too well the violence in Milwaukee could threaten his hard work.
"You never know what can happen really, everybody got guns now, so you just got to watch your back and know who you're around," said Cooper.
A harsh reality, but for principals like Jordan, it’s the promise of potential she's looking to protect.
Throughout the course of the year, the school offers robotics, and introduction to engineering design.
Next year, Mesmer students will have the opportunity to take part in a dual enrollment program with UWM and Mount Mary.
The students will be able to take an intro to urban education course for college credit, at no cost.