NORTH SHELBY – The Education Connection program held at Oak Mountain High School on Thursday, Oct. 5, serves to connect schools and their students to business leaders in the area.

Business professionals, students, teachers and administrators gathered in the school’s media center for breakfast, a presentation about OMHS clubs and a chance to network.

Julie Godfrey, supervisor of career and technical education for Shelby County Schools, told attendees that Education Connection can help students develop skills that will be beneficial in their careers.

OMHS Principal Kristi Sayers gave a brief overview of the school, which serves more than 1,500 students and offers 18 AP courses along with a variety of extracurricular activities.

“We are proud that we have an academic rigor where we set expectations for our students, and they meet those expectations,” Sayers said.

While students represent our country’s future, Sayers said involvement from the business community in the education process is crucial.

Students attending the program included officers from organizations such as DECA, FCCLA, Future Business Leaders of America and the Technology Student Association.

The umbrella organization, Oak Mountain Business Association, sponsors field trips to locations such as the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville and the Southeastern Conference offices.

The school is also planning a “Keeping It Real” program for Nov. 2-3 and a Freshman Focus effort in December.

Keeping It Real exposes students to real-world finances and other skills, while Freshman Focus will be an opportunity for students to share insights about their “journey” at Oak Mountain High School.

Business leaders in attendance shared thoughts on the groups’ accomplishments and asked how they could stay informed about planned efforts that are in need of volunteers.

More Education Connection sessions are planned in the coming months at Calera High School, Chelsea High School, Shelby County High School and Montevallo High School.

Education Connection is presented by SCS Career and Technical Education with help from the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and the SCS Education Foundation.