At the Lake County Manufacturing Alliance Breakfast, Grayslake District 127 brought together over 40 local business leaders, educators, and community partners for a powerful morning of connection and career exploration. Hosted in partnership with Jim Connell from College of Lake County and Scot Forge, the event exemplified the power of collaboration in preparing students for real-world success.
Held at District 127, the Lake County Manufacturing Alliance Breakfast welcomed a diverse group of attendees—from industry leaders at companies like LMT Onsrud LP, Domenty Tools, Weller Metalworks, and Haas Automation, to organizations like Lake County Workforce Development, Give Me Ten, and apprenticeship coordinators from CLC. Also in attendance were educators from the Tech Campus, the Gorter Family Foundation, and several D127 staff members, including CTE educator Chris Ellingsen and Department Chair Greg Geiger.
The event focused on the theme “Build Your Talent Pipeline,” encouraging manufacturers to explore D127’s career-focused lab spaces that mirror industry and witness firsthand how students are gaining in-demand skills like blueprint reading and CAD, often for dual college credit. Attendees heard from two current student interns, Seniors Trent S. and Andrew N., who shared their hands-on learning experiences that resulted in internships and engaged directly with guests.
“The Manufacturing Alliance Breakfast was designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled talent in our region,” said Gina Schuyler, D127’s Administrator of Community Partnerships. “This event is about creating opportunities for students to gain early exposure to career paths and for employers to build relationships with the next generation of workers.”
Superintendent Dr. Mikkel Storaasli emphasized the importance of these connections, both for students and the broader community.
“At Grayslake D127, we believe that education must go beyond the classroom. Events like the Manufacturing Alliance Breakfast help students see the real-world impact of their learning and allow our local businesses to invest in future talent,” said Dr. Storaasli. “This kind of authentic, hands-on experience is at the heart of our mission to empower every learner to launch their future.”
Events like this demonstrate the district’s commitment to authentic, career-connected learning. As part of its expansive Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, D127 supports more than 100 internships annually. It offers a range of courses that help students launch into college, careers, and beyond.
“This is about shared wins,” Schuyler added. “Students gain experience and confidence. Employers get to invest in a stronger workforce and even help shape it.”
The energy in the room reflected the promise of continued collaboration. As this work grows, D127 remains committed to empowering every learner through relevant, engaging, and authentic learning experiences that connect the classroom to future careers.