Academies of ISD Launch Student-Operated Bakery

The Academies of the Independence School District celebrated the grand opening of the student-operated bakery A Taste of Independence on the historic Independence Square. The Independence Chamber of Commerce partnered with the ISD to hold the ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 30, immediately following the all district parade.

Students in the ISD Business Academy and those in the Culinary Pathway collaborate to manage and run operations at A Taste of Independence including marketing, sales and baking. You can hear the pride in the students’ voices as they talk about their role in being part of the bakery’s launch.

“Being in high school and getting this experience is definitely going to help me in college and in my career. Instead of just studying business, we actually get the hands-on experience of running a business,” ISD senior Pierce Cromley said.

The ISD is building the future workforce and inspiring future Independence business leaders. The district is proud to be making an economic impact through innovative practices, engagement and leadership within the community.

“When students come to the bakery, they get to collaborate, communicate and problem-solve. The Academy model embraces 21^st century skills for students,” ISD business teacher Cindy Schluckebier said.

The ISD is one of only 19 school districts in the nation chosen by Ford Next Generation Learning to implement the Academy model. The ISD offers more than 90 courses for college credit with more than 400 college credit hours available. In 2017, 72 percent of ISD students graduated with dual credit or an Industry Recognized Credential, increasing by more than 50 percent in just two years.