Talent Search students attend three-day CTE camp
June 18, 2024Yuma, AZ (June 18, 2024) – Twenty-two Talent Search students from Yuma and La Paz counties recently participated in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Camp.
During the Navigating Your Future event at Arizona Western College, the eighth- and ninth-grade students spent three days learning about various careers available in CTE fields.
“In addition to receiving valuable information and hands-on experiences, the students also had an opportunity to interact with committed and dedicated faculty and professional staff members who are passionate about the careers they teach,” said Michelle Thomas, AWC Director of TRIO Programs.
“I greatly appreciate the Entrepreneurial College and its leadership for their help in making this year's camp a huge success. Specifically, I would like to thank Reetika Dhawan, Entrepreneurial College Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Workforce and Healthcare Programs; Dr. Joann Chang, Executive Director and Dean of Healthcare Programs; and Cinthia Alvarez, Executive Director and Dean of CTE Programs.”
Hands-on demonstrations were led by:
• Alfonso Zavala, Director of Law Enforcement
• Kara Cohen, Nursing Lab Coordinator
• Eduardo Ramirez, Fire Science Director
• Jim Larson, Director of Manufacturing
• Bobby Alvarado, Professor of Welding
• Katelynn Babb, Welding Lab Technician
• Maria Ray, Medical Assistant/Billing and Coding Program Coordinator
• Joe Wharton, Professor of Drafting
• Joseph Waterford, Director of Emergency Medical Services
• Francisco Vega, Clinical Coordinator, Radiologic Technology
• Caline Gottwald, GOALS Project Coordinator
• Tosha Gillispie, Director of Agricultural Programs
Students in attendance represented Yuma High School, Kofa High School, Cibola High School, Antelope High School, Parker High School, Gila Vista Jr. High School, and Wallace Jr. High School.
TRIO programs have provided valuable supportive services to students from low-income and working families to successfully enter college and graduate for over 50 years. AWC has been the recipient of three TRIO grants, including Talent Search, for over 30 years. Talent Search works with almost 600 students per school year.
Talent Search focuses on early exposure and interventions to college and careers, geared toward potential first-generation college students in grades 6-12. Students receive information and assistance in applying for college admission, scholarships, and various student financial aid programs. Recent national data indicates that 79 percent of Talent Search participants were admitted to postsecondary institutions.
Contact:
Michelle Thomas
Director of TRIO Programs
Arizona Western College
Michelle.Thomas@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7763