Area 30 celebrates Career and Technical Education Month

Area 30 Career Center is hosting an open house for the community on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. as it celebrates Career and Technical Education Month at its Greencastle location at 1 N. Calbert Way.

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, 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 our students can be college and career ready upon graduation.

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

• Early College Partner Vincennes University will be onsite with representatives from admissions, various academic programs, parent services and financial aid.

• Vincennes University presentations at 4:30 and 6 p.m.

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.

• Cummins Engine Plant tour.

“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 college ready students, 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. At a time when opportunity for employment is so critical, CTE programs are ensuring students are equipped with the skills to successfully enter the workforce.

Area 30’s new work ethics program called READY (Respect, Ethics, Attitude and Dependability for our Youth) is in full swing with 15 seniors participating. Students focus on specific work readiness skills which includes generational learning, community service and professional workplace skills.

Area 30 is a part of the Vincennes University Early College system. Since early 2017 Vincennes University has provided Area 30 with more than $500,000 in new equipment. Students have the opportunity to complete up to one year of college through the Early College Career Center program.

Area 30 also offers college credit from Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana State University.

Students can earn various state and industry certifications at Area 30 Career Center. American Welding Society, CNA, EMT, A+ and OSHA are just few of the certifications available to students.

For more information about Area 30 or its Vincennes partnership, persons may call 653-3515.