Special Exhibition at Marquette Mall on Feb. 2 to Highlight Programs
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 Career and Technical Education WORKS! 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 is an exhibition of La Porte County Career and Technical Education programs, which will take place at Marquette Mall on Saturday, February 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. At 12:00 noon, Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer will deliver a proclamation in honor of CTE month, and other special guests will be on hand to recognize outstanding CTE students in LaPorte County.
“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 Programs and the A. K. Smith Area Career Center. “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 six area high schools, including La Porte, Lacrosse, Michigan City, New Prairie, South Central, and Westville. Among the CTE programs offered are Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Electronics/Computer Technology, Facilities Maintenance, Health Careers, and Welding. Next fall, a program in Criminal Justice and Law 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 which can be obtained at the A. K. Smith Center.
Click here to view a schedule of events for Career and Technical Education Month. For more information about La Porte County Career and Technical Education, call (219) 873-2120 or visit EducateMC.net/careertech.