Hands-On Visit Lets Middle-Schoolers Jump-Start Career Aspirations

More than 1,040 students and chaperones from seven area middle schools visited Tuesday, exploring a wide variety of technical careers through hands-on activities, tours of facilities, and discussions with Penn College students and faculty. Career Day, organized by the College Transitions Office is held each spring and fall; the next program, for students in ninth through 12th grade, will be held Oct. 13.

– Photos by Tia G. La, student photographer

 

 

Stacey C. Hampton, assistant dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies, helps students "Discover Careers in Engineering" during a large-group session in the Klump Academic Center Auditorium. The discussion included how everyday life is connected to engineering, how to prepare for the field and what jobs are available.

Jersey Shore Area Middle School's Max Ferguson makes a cast of his finger in "The Art of Design," a celebration of turning thoughts into objects. Helping students find the fun in science is Thomas E. Ask, professor of industrial and human factors design.

Visitors from Milton Middle School perform a full spinal immobilization under the instruction of Bambi A. Hawkins (in blue), learning laboratory coordinator for the college's paramedic program. The session, "Expect the Unexpected," gave students a greater appreciation of first responders' life-saving work. From left are Alyssa Williams, Nina Santiago, Brandy Mixell (on the board) and Derek Scott.

Abbi Rishel (left) and Regi Wendt, of Milton Middle Schools, learn to make colorful stepping stones using pre-molded concrete forms.

Construction technology instructor Harry W. Hintz Jr. shares the process of laying out a house using basic math, laser transits, tape measures, hammers and stakes.

Assistant automotive professor Christopher H. Van Stavoren leads a discussion of hybrid vehicles and the mandatory fuel-efficiency standards that take effect in 2025.

Michael D. Shipman, a member of the business administration/accounting faculty, uses a Monopoly game to teach students how to track revenue and expenses.

Milton's Jamila Alvarez learns the color-coded programming language required to make an Ozobot dance.

Under the supervision of Scott A. Geist (background), director of surgical technology, students explore the hands-on world of the operating room.

Geoffrey M. Campbell, assistant professor of architectural technology, leads a session on how to "Build a 3D Model of a House" using SketchUp software.