Program to scout out careers starts Sept. 15
TRAVERSE CITY — This fall, a new career exploration program will give students from area schools the opportunity to take a deep dive into the careers of the future, including robotics, rocketry, and healthcare.
The “Exploring” program is a partnership between Northwestern Michigan College and the Boy Scouts of America offering both male and female students ages 14-20 a 10-month module of meetings where they will receive hands-on training under the guidance of experts in their fields.
An open house for the Exploring program will be held at 11 a.m. September 15 in NMC’s Parsons-Stulen building, 2600 Aero Park Drive. The first meeting in the 10-month series will follow the open house. Meetings thereafter will be held one Saturday each month from noon-4 p.m. Registration is $34 for the entire 10-month series.
Other supporting organizations include Inland Seas, Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology, and Munson Medical Center. NMC instructors will work with students in areas such as robotics and automotive technology, while representatives with MSU will guide them through technology in agriculture.
Earlier this summer, students had the opportunity to participate in a CanSat High Altitude Balloon Launch which was a collaboration between Exploring, Atlas Space Operations, and Magnitude IO, which brought aerospace and STEM career related project-based learning experiences into classrooms similar to this series of programs.
Ryan and Shannon Pierson, whose son R.J. was a participant, said they liked watching the students brainstorm and figure out to make it work.
“With technology, there’s not a lot out there to help inform the kids and let them learn,” Shannon Pierson said. “They were learning how to work together as a life skill.”
When putting the schedule together, Boy Scout leaders said they worked with experts to make sure students would be given exposure to careers that will be in high demand when they graduate.
“These classes offer a unique approach to learning and are designed to give students early access to the careers of the future,” said Aaron Gach, CEO of Boy Scouting’s regional Michigan Crossroads Council. “Our program partners have the type of expertise to take these young people to the next level of their career exploration.”
For additional information or to sign up, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exploring-stem-careers-tickets-49452921018
Release date: September 11, 2018
For more information:
Marguerite Cotto
Northwestern Michigan College
mcotto@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1775