Area 30 Career Center celebrates Career and Technical Ed Month

Area 30 Career Center is hosting an open house for the community on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 4:30-6 p.m.

The open house will give individuals the opportunity to:

* Explore the 18 career and technical education programs available to juniors and seniors who attend Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam, South Putnam and Eminence schools.

* Learn how students can earn college credits and state and national certifications while still in high school.

* Recognize that our students can be college AND career ready upon graduation.

Students and faculty at Area 30 Career Center will join others across the nation during February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This year's theme is Opportunities for Career Success.

CTE Month provides CTE programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE makes students college- and career-ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields.

Among other special activities scheduled at Area 30 Career Center during February are:

* CTE Student Appreciation Day

* College presentations

* Apprenticeship presentations

* Field trips to various community businesses

* Women in Technology student conference

* National Technical Honors Society membership drive

* High School recruitment

* Skills USA Regional competition

* World of Wheels

* Culinary Arts ProStart competition

* Interviewing Skills workshops

* Dress for Success workshops

* CTE Teacher Appreciation Day

"The activities planned over the next month will illustrate the rigor and relevance CTE courses offer our students," said Lora Busch executive director of Area 30 Career Center. "By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students and providing them with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees and future leaders."

CTE encompasses 94 percent of high school students and 13 million postsecondary students in the United States and includes high schools, career centers, community and technical colleges, four-year universities and more. CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. At a time when opportunity for employment is so critical, CTE programs in every community are ensuring students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.

For more information about Area 30 Career Center, persons may call 653-3515.