NINTH GRADE STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO “GET THE EDGE!” AT THE ICTC

(December 11, 2009)...  Each year at this time, the ICTC opens its doors to all 9th grade students from every high school in Indiana County to participate in a school wide tour.  Participation in the 9th grade tours gives the students a chance to be introduced to the fourteen technical program areas.  The tour serves two purposes.  First, it provides all participating freshmen an overview of the education provided at the ICTC.  Second, it provides students the opportunity to consider their future career goals.  This year, students were encouraged to consider enrollment in one of the 14 areas so that they could “Get the Edge!”…the competitive edge that they will need to be successful in the workplace.  The ICTC is committed to educating its students with the skills necessary to be competitive in all aspects of the world of work.

During the tours, each program area instructor along with their students used many different presentation techniques to share how career and technical education can help interested students get the necessary competitive edge to be successful.  Here are some examples of the information shared with the 9th grade students by the ICTC:

As students entered Digital Media Technology (DMT), with instructor Sharon McGinnis, it was like stepping into a movie theater.  Students were handed a look-a-like movie ticket that contained general information about DMT.  Students were given a treat of fresh popcorn as they watched a mini movie, created by the DMT students that demonstrated all the aspects of the DMT program.

Machining Technology instructor, Keith McCracken demonstrated on a small scale how machine shops would make custom rims for show cars, motorcycles, etc. by manufacturing precision yo-yos using the same principles.  Mr. McCracken also reinforced the fact that programs like Machining as well as all other ICTC programs are designed to be completed by both male and female students.

 Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) instructor, Matthew Bornak, demonstrated how the ICTC is educating students to not only “Get the Edge!”, but to also “Go Green” by using a reclaimer.  A reclaimer is one piece of equipment the students learn to operate in HVAC; it is used to clean the chemicals in an air conditioning unit.

During the lunch hour, while enjoying the fireplace which was built by the ICTC masonry students, the ICTC student services staff members engaged the tour students in a game of Jeopardy…ICTC style.  Students were asked many different questions about the technical facts they learned while on tour at the ICTC.  Ninth graders who answered the questions correctly were given “play” money that in the end could be used to buy ICTC merchandise such as mouse pads, lanyards, key chains, decals, t-shirts, etc…all designed and printed by the Graphics & Electronic Media students.  The lunch activities concluded with everyone enjoying a sweet treat from the mobile cook station compliments of the culinary arts program.

In addition to the programs mentioned above, 9th grade students participated in other tour activities and learned about the technical skills available by enrolling in programs such as:  cosmetology, health occupations technology, computer systems technology, automotive technology, collision repair, carpentry, electrical occupations, and welding technology.

There is no doubt that the students enrolled at the ICTC have the ability to achieve a high level of technical knowledge.  Freshmen who choose to schedule an ICTC program as part of their 10th grade schedule will have the opportunity to choose statewide articulation agreements, receive recognized industry certifications, and/or dual enrollment with post-secondary institutions.  Currently there are eight students enrolled in both the ICTC and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and four students enrolled at ICTC and Penn College receiving college credits.  Interested 9th grade students are encouraged to see their sending school guidance counselor to schedule a shadow visit in January or February 2010, so they can get started on the path that will help them “Get the Edge!”

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