Skill Expo a Success!

Thanks to all who came out for our Skill Expo on Thursday, January 19th.  Take a look at some photos from the open house!

Civil Engineering Students Help at Benton Elementary

On Friday, January 13, CACC continued to create a partnership with Benton Elementary, Columbia's first STEM  (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focused school.  Earlier in the year, our FIRST Robotics Team showcased their skills to the K-5 students, and now our civil engineering students made the trip across town to help test popsicle stick bridges.

Over winter break, Benton teacher John Gerhart assigned his 3rd graders to build a weight sustaining bridge with 100 popsicle sticks.  When his students returned with their bridges, it was time to see how much weight they could hold.  Knowing the career center had an engineering program, Gerhart contacted instructor Brad Mann find out how to properly test the bridges.

Each year, students in Brad Mann's civil engineering classes build bridges out of balsa wood using the techniques and skills learned throughout the year.  The students test their bridges with bars, chains, and sand.  "When John called, I saw it as a great opportunity to partner with a STEM school and to get our students involved with the younger kids," said Mann.  Six students from civil engineering brought the supplies and helped the students test out their bridges.  Some bridges collapsed under the weight, but some held up.  One  bridge held over 75 pounds!

Hickman senior Matt Hamilton found the experience rewarding and fun. "It was fun to watch the kids' expressions as we were testing the bridges.  It's great to see them encouraging each other and getting excited about engineering."

BroJo Students Take 3rd in MoDOT Contest

First year broadcast journalism students Scott Coffelt and Matt Kelly took third place in MoDOT's annual  Battle of the Belt Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for seat belt safety!


Click the play button below to watch their video!  

CACC Hosts Blood Drive

The Columbia Area Career Center hosted its annual Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, December 12, collecting more than 40 donations from faculty, staff, and students of CACC.

"The blood drive allowed students an excellent opportunity to not only learn about the donation process but to also participation in the process.  It was a learning opportunity with the chance to save a life!," said Monica Duemmel, Professions in Healthcare instructor.

Check out photos below!

(L-R) Alexis Gadberry, Jamie Hinners, Sarah Moore and Nicole Shippee 

Senior Nora Mavrakis

Senior Ryan Edington

Senior Malachi Matthews