Area 30 to celebrate Career and Technical Education Month

Area 30 Career Center in Greencastle will host an open house for the community on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The open house at 1 N. Calbert Way on Greencastle’s East Side will give individuals the opportunity to:

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

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

• Recognize that students can be college and career ready upon graduation.

• Learn how to navigate the processes of college admission and financial aid (FAFSA assistance provided).

Students and faculty at Area 30 Career Center will join others across the nation during the month of February to celebrate national Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month.

This year’s theme is Celebrate Today, Own Tomorrow. 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 the other special activities scheduled at Area 30 Career Center for the month of February are:

• CTE Student Appreciation Day

• College presentations

• Field trips to various community businesses

• National Technical Honors Society membership drive

• High school recruitment

• Skills USA regional competition

• World of Wheels

• Culinary Arts ProStart competition

• Resume writing workshops

“The activities planned over the next month will illustrate the rigor and relevance CTE courses offer our students,” Lora Busch executive director of Area 30 Career Center, said. “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 can be 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 helping ensure students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.

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