District 214’s annual Robot Rumble was conducted this year in Prospect High School’s parking lot. While the event looked different this year, as always, students’ impressive engineering skills were on full display. Students applied amazing engineering and design skills to build robots on wheels — a collaborative process that can take up to three months — then subsequently crashed into each other in a demolition derby. In a new twist to the event, Multimedia Communications students from across the District were there to livestream and do a play-by-play call of the event!

For Yemi Ojeleye, the Manufacturing Career Pathways program offered by District 214 Adult Education and Family Literacy has been life-altering.

Ojeleye recently landed a manufacturing job making various types of equipment, thanks to the Adult Manufacturing program that is an example of District 214’s commitment to supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

When Dan Soto landed a full-time manufacturing job, he was making much more than critical parts for various machines—he was also making a major positive change in his life.

As public health guidelines have compelled District 214 to offer a mix of remote and in-person learning throughout this semester, providing in-person enrichment opportunities for students became a persistent challenge.

While school staff made countless adjustments to ensure that students enjoyed equitable learning experiences regardless of whether they were at home or in a school building, they also came to see that providing enrichment opportunities would require additional recalibration.

The phrase “Redefining Ready!” is familiar to many Township High School District 214 students, displayed on posters and banners throughout its six schools. It’s far more than an alliterative slogan; the District has taken many steps to ensure its students are prepared for their steps after high school, most notably through its work-based learning programs.

These programs set students up in positions to participate in professional work environments, developing career skills before they even enter the workforce or invest time and money into postsecondary education or training.

Any solid foundation offers the opportunity for growth and expansion.

Now several months into its second year, High School District 214’s apprenticeship program is building on the success of its inaugural year. Building on that success by branching out to serve more students in more fields. Adding, for the first time, community partners serving as apprenticeship hosts and mentors.

Becoming a United States citizen is life-changing, and the Rhonda Serafin Legacy Fund is helping make the dream a reality for adult students.

This year, the Serafin funds, awarded through the District 214 Education Foundation, went to nine students and relieved nearly $6,000 in financial burdens connected to citizenship application filing fees and the evaluation of degrees earned in other countries -- a pathway to promotion in the United States.

Sometimes thinking outside the box means thinking - and venturing - outside the building.

So it is with High School District 214 Technology Department mobile help desk units. With COVID-19 compelling the District to rely primarily on remote learning as the academic year begins, each of the District’s six comprehensive high schools is dispatching tech staff members into the community to help students resolve problems that crop up.