206. Adrienne Woolley — Exploring Career Paths With Hands-on Experience and Project-Based Learning

Season 7 Episode 7: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Adrienne Woolley, program manager for the Park City Center for Advanced Professional Studies (PCCAPS). Woolley discusses her PCCAPS career managing a project-based learning initiative for high school juniors and seniors. The network, the first of its kind in Utah, offers hands-on experience in fields such as business, digital design, and physical therapy. By exploring career paths early, students build confidence, develop real-world skills, and gain a competitive edge before pursuing higher education. Woolley emphasizes the program's strong industry partnerships, including collaborations with local businesses, healthcare providers, and government entities, to provide students with real-world learning opportunities.  Woolley highlights student-led projects in hospitality, engineering, and design, such as developing a ski-in, ski-out food venue, designing parking garage charging stations, and creating a ski locker amenity. She discusses the life skills students gain, including professional communication, project management, and public speaking. Woolley also emphasizes PCCAPS' role in connecting students with local businesses and industries, fostering professional growth, and providing meaningful learning experiences beyond traditional classroom settings.