DETROIT – In classrooms across Macomb County, Sarah Strohbeck is on a mission. She’s a Career Readiness and Counselor Consultant for the Macomb Intermediate School District. In that role, Strohbeck is supporting about 200 school counselors and working with hundreds of students across 21 school districts.
“I’m passionate because I’m a first-generation college student,” Strohbeck explained. “So, when I graduated from high school I didn’t have a plan. And I had to figure it out all on my own, explore the different options and navigate my way through my young adult life.”
Those who know Strohbeck describe the former teacher and counselor as passionate in her drive for helping others. Specifically, in her work assisting students in developing post-graduation plans.
Strohbeck explained. “My big emphasis with students is tell me about yourself. I listen to them. I ask them to talk about the things that they’re good at. The things that they love. I even ask them to talk about the things that they don’t like.”
Colleagues said Strohbeck’s strategy has helped spearhead several innovative career readiness programs, including a Teacher Cadet Academy that guides and supports students into the education profession. One that goes beyond interning or job shadowing.
“Our high school students, we had over 500 participate in the last four years, are hired by local school districts in Macomb County,” Strohbeck added. “And they are on-boarded as true employees. They work every single day during summer school in an elementary classroom.”
Another program Strohbeck oversees, Grow Your Own, was recently awarded an $8 million grant. Those funds go toward helping sponsor tuition, textbooks, and fees associated with becoming a teacher.
“We will have at the end of next year, about 100 future teachers that we are supporting, mentoring, that upon graduation will come right back to Macomb County and be in classrooms and helping our students,” Strohbeck said.
Her presence on campuses is also helping ease the load on school counselors. She’s assisting them in talking to colleges, networking with potential employers, setting up interviews, and arranging career-related field trips.
“Sarah’s positive outlook and her connection with students and families, I think, has been part of the success of the work that she does,” said Dr. Alesia Flye, Assistant Superintendent of Macomb Intermediate School District.
For Sarah Strohbeck, it’s work she loves. It’s why some of her former students nominated her for a Go 4 It Award. She’s pouring into future leaders and showing them there are people who believe in them.
“There’s people that are rallying behind them and supporting them,” Strohbeck said. “So that they can launch and be highly successful is what it’s all about.”
We want to honor those making a difference. Click here to nominate someone who’s Going 4 It in your community. We’ll be featuring your nominees every month on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.
Thanks to our Go 4 It sponsor partners, Masco, Henry Ford Health, and the Gilbert Family Foundation.