More than 500 high school students from the Seward County Community College service area will visit campus Wednesday, Oct. 9, for the college’s annual Career Technical Education Expo. The students will not be the only visitors: Nearly 50 business and industry partners will also be on hand. These representatives present mini sessions about career opportunities. They’ll also meet students at the expo tables in the One-Stop Shop at the Hobble Academic Building.
“We have learned that one of the best ways to impact students is to get them on campus,” said Erika Espinoza, executive director of enrollment. “Once they see everything we have to offer, they get excited.”
But the Expo encourages students to look even farther — past college, to their careers.
“Our focus at the Expo is really about jobs and success in the workforce,” said SCCC Vice President of CTE Dr. Amber Jones. “They can tour our Allied Health Division, Ag, Business, and Computer, and Industrial Technology, and take a look at what we do here, and what it sets them up for in the job market.”
That’s where Director of Business & Industry Norma Jean Dodge comes in. Through her work with area employers and industry groups, she works with instructors to provide a robust panel of guests.
“It makes all the difference for students to hear from someone who’s actually out there in the real world, doing what they want to do,” she said. “Our B&I partners like this, too. It gives them a chance to start a pipeline of future employees.”
Following three rotating sessions, students at the Expo have the opportunity to stop at vendor tables for one-on-one interactions. They’ll also have lunch on campus.
“It’s a great opportunity for high school students, and we love hosting them on campus,” said Jones.
Categories: Agriculture, Business & Personal Services Division, Allied Health Division, Business & Industry, Events, Industrial Technology Division
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