Collins Career Technical Center had its annual 10th Grade Visits for area students last Thursday and Friday.

Students from Chesapeake, Dawson-Bryant, Fairland, Ironton, Rock Hill, South Point, and Symmes Valley, as well as the Lawrence County Academy attended.

“It is essential to our economy and also to individual success that young people in our area become acclimated as to what is offered at CCTC. It is as important as any academic success to be able to apply what is learned in school in a career technical education program before high school graduation, whether it be offered at the student’s home school as a satellite program or coming to the career center to earn specific certificates in a program here,” CCTC Director of Student Services, Tomi Blankenship said.

Students first received information about programs for the 2017-2018 school year at their home schools through a presentation offered by Student Services counselors from CCTC, where they also viewed a DVD made by Caleb Jones’ Mass Media Program. From there, students selected five programs they would be interested in learning more about while on their visit.

The open house for prospective students and their parents was Dec. 19, which also opened up the enrollment period for the 2017-2018 school year.

Applications can be completed in each of the home schools’ counseling offices through Feb. 14.
Programs are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis, however, students must be in good standing on high school credits at the end of their sophomore year; and adhere to their home school policy to earn a spot at the career center.

“We definitely work together with the home schools to help give Lawrence County students a head-start in the job market. We want to see our young people post-secondary and career-ready.”