2021 Partners in Education

Small Business or Franchise

Tessa Schutz

Tessa Schutz’s willingness to assist the High Desert region economically, educationally and culturally made her a stand out for an Education Medal of Honor in the category of Partners in Education/Small Business or Franchise.

Schutz, in partnership with Mountain Desert Career Pathways Joint Powers Authority, assists with bridging the skills gap between education and business to build a sustainable culture of high-quality local talent ready to enter the workforce.

Through her broadcasting and media production company, Kranbox, Schutz is tuned-in to her community and diligently works to strengthen connections between local educators and students.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Schultz was able to offer work-based learning to High Desert students through a virtual internship program.

Local students looking to explore a career
in broadcasting and media were given the opportunity to participate in a number of media production roles to broaden their skill sets and develop important interpersonal skills.

Those students continue to receive support and guidance today from Schutz and her team.

By providing growth opportunities to students and cultivating lasting relationships, Schutz is helping transform the High Desert’s economic landscape and preparing students to be successful within the 21st century workforce.

Schultz was nominated by Jessica Swift, a K-12 pathway coordinator and curriculum specialist. Swift stated, “As a local high school graduate, community member, and business owner Tessa is the ultimate definition of a partner in education.”

Corporation or Government Agency

Stephen Tyrrell

For his ongoing transformative work in the region and with students, Stephen Tyrrell has earned the Education Medal of Honor, Partners in Education/Corporation or Government Agency.

Tyrrell makes good use of his experience in manufacturing as maintenance manager at Mitsubishi Cement Corporation in Lucerne Valley. His position has allowed him to forge active and lasting connections between K-14 students and industry partners.

Aligning students’ talents with local industry needs is the driving force behind Tyrrell’s expansive collaborative work with the Mountain Desert Economic Partnership.

In Stephen Tyrrell’s eyes, successful career pathways are built on strong foundations. For more than five years, he has had an incredible impact upon career pathway alignment at both the K-12 and community college level across the High Desert.

As the chair for the High Desert Manufacturer’s Council, he regularly brings industries, K-14 education, government, and community partners together to discuss training needs and ways to close skills gaps.

Nominator and Director of the Mountain
Desert Career Pathways Matt Wells said, “His drive to foster these connections and tighten alignment for the benefit of local students seeking significant career options is clear. By giving local industry a pool of highly qualified and competitive talent, we can help provide our region a viable and thriving economy.”

According to Wells, a key facet of this work is that Tyrrell links with area high schools to create pre-apprenticeship opportunities so students can transition smoothly from the K-12 system
to postsecondary training before ultimately securing significant careers.