The reorganization of secondary schools in Columbia has opened additional doors of opportunity for collaboration between Columbia Area Career Center and CPS Middle Schools. The district is demonstrating its commitment to career planning by enrolling all eighth graders in a "Careers Course" where students can learn about career pathways and develop their four year plan. CACC hosted the Middle School Counselors for a working breakfast, tour and overview of career center courses in order to better equip them in assisting current eighth graders.
In keeping with all things career, Craig Adams, District Practical Arts Coordinator, revealed Career TV, his latest and emerging collaboration with Columbia Chamber of Commerce where CACC Broadcast Journalism students interview and film local business people to highlight their occupations and introduce middle school students to the world of work.
College and Career Consultant, Dr. Janet Bagby, presented the counselors with resources from DESE and Missouri Connections.
Representing their CACC experience in the Health Sciences, Natural Resources and Industrial Engineering and Business Management career pathways, Riley Johnson, Bailey Peters and Jon Antel addressed the audience, sharing how their career center courses have shaped their future college and career plans.
With the focus on preparing eighth graders for the transition to high school, career center courses provided displays for counselors to see the practical curriculum for which the career center is known. Academic artifacts from the following courses open to 9th graders were showcased.
- PLTW Introduction to Biomedical Science
- A+IT Essentials
- Digital Earth
- Digital Media
- PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design
- Exploring Agricultural Science
CACC guidance counselor, Ellen Buechler offered information about Dual Credit, Industry Recognized Credentials and articles about career and technical education. She also encouraged everyone to attend Skill Expo, the career center's premiere open house, on Thursday, January 9 from 5-7 p.m. for a chance to visit CACC classrooms, speak with instructors, view student work, take part in interactive displays and see what is new in Career and Technical Education. This is not your father's Vo Tech!
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| Student representatives present to the audience |
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| Middle School Counselors |
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| Project Lead the Way -Introduction to Biomedical Science, Crime scene display |
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| Jon Antel with Digital Earth display |
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| Project Lead the Way-Introduction to Engineering Design display |
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| A+ IT Essentials display |
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| Exploring Agricultural Science display |
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