Students and staff at the A. K. Smith Area Career Center in Michigan City 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 Recognizing Classroom Innovators! CTE Month provides CTE programs across the country an opportunity to demonstrate how CTE educates students to be college- and career- ready and prepares them for high-wage, high-demand career fields.
Among the activities scheduled locally:
An exhibition of La Porte County Career and Technical Education programs, which will take place during a pancake breakfast on Saturday, January 31 from 8:00 a.m. – Noon at the A. K. Smith Career Center (817 Lafayette Street, Michigan City). At 11:00 a.m., Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer will deliver a proclamation naming February CTE month in Michigan City, and other special guests will be on hand to recognize outstanding CTE students in LaPorte County. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat breakfast are $8.00 (children 5 and under free); proceeds will support student participation for regional and state skills competitions and fees for certification exams.
A “Future Careers Expo,” which will take place at the A. K. Smith Center on Wednesday, February 11. This event will engage CTE students in career planning and preparation through a series of panel discussions, exhibits, and mock interviews. More than 75 community and business leaders and 250 students will participate in this event. (Note: Adults are still needed to assist with mock interviews of students; please contact Kathy Angelo at kangelo@mcas.k12.in.us or (219) 873-2120, ext. 8720.)
“CTE courses are academically rigorous, and they provide hands-on experiences that keep students engaged,” says Audra Peterson, Director of La Porte County Career and Technical Education. “Students in our programs earn dual college credit, industry certifications, and important skills that will prepare them to be successful employees as well as future leaders.”
La Porte County Career and Technical Education serves students from seven area high schools, including La Porte, Lacrosse, Michigan City, New Buffalo, New Prairie, South Central, and Westville. Among the CTE programs offered are Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Energy, Engineering, Facilities Maintenance, Health Careers, and Welding. Next fall, programs in Fire Science and Supply Chain Management will be introduced.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will require an associate’s degree or a postsecondary vocational certificate. Recent research published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that by 2018, 4.7 million new workers will need post-secondary certificates and credentials, such as those that can be obtained at the A. K. Smith Center.
For more information about La Porte County Career and Technical Education, call (219) 873-2120 or visit EducateMC.net/careertech.
