At Tolles Career & Technical Center, learning extends beyond the classroom and the lab.
Through the ELITE program, students from Tolles’ associate schools gain real-world experience through off-site internships or entrepreneurial opportunities, supported throughout the year by Tolles ELITE staff. The program allows students to earn high school credit while building professional skills and exploring career pathways in real-world environments.
For Avery Landon, that experience became the foundation for a growing business.
A senior from Fairbanks High School and a student in her second semester of the ELITE program, Avery turned a passion for baking into The Village Grind, a business she is continuing to grow throughout the community through her entrepreneurial ELITE experience.
Currently, Avery sells her baked goods locally through partnerships with The Stockhouse Bar and Grill, On the Road, and New Grounds Coffee House. She also plans to open her own storefront in Milford Center later this summer.
Throughout her ELITE experience, Avery gained hands-on business experience while balancing the responsibilities of entrepreneurship as a high school student. From product development and customer relationships to business planning and future expansion goals, the experience allowed her to apply real-world learning directly to her future career path.
“Avery has taken every opportunity in front of her and turned it into something meaningful,” said Kim Hull, ELITE Program Support Specialist. “She’s not only talented as a baker, but she’s shown real initiative, professionalism, and determination in building a business while still in high school. Watching her confidence grow throughout this experience has been incredible.”
Recently, Avery shared that journey during her senior ELITE presentation, where she reflected on the growth and experiences that helped shape both her business and her future goals.
In attendance for the presentation were Chef Nick Shuler, Tolles Culinary Arts Instructor; Jerry Obney, Principal at Fairbanks High School; Kim Hull, ELITE Program Support Specialist at Tolles Career & Technical Center; Dr. Todd Hoadley, CEO/Superintendent of Tolles; Steve Cawley, Tolles Internship Coordinator; and Avery’s parents, who listened to her presentation and provided feedback on her business model and future plans.
For Avery, ELITE became more than an educational experience. It became an opportunity to test ideas, grow a business, and begin building a future career before graduation.
“ELITE creates opportunities for students who may not choose a traditional Tolles program experience but still want meaningful career-tech and workforce opportunities connected to their future goals,” said Cawley. “Whether through internships, entrepreneurship, or industry partnerships, the program allows students from our associate school districts to explore careers, build professional skills, and gain real-world experience tailored to their interests and ambitions.”
Avery’s story reflects the goal of the ELITE program: helping students connect hands-on experience with meaningful career pathways while preparing for what comes next.