The Career Center Offers High Schoolers Opportunities

I visited the Columbia Area Career Center (CACC) last week to discuss opportunities of having real estate courses available. While I was there, I got to tour the building and see all the different things going on there.  This is not your normal run-of-the-mill school! There are so many different hands-on learning experiences going on in this school.  It was so amazing to see all the students learning real world technologies & skills to improve their chances in the future. 

Our first stop was the kitchen where they teach all sorts of classes. We heard a story of one of the students who got to travel to London for the world competition in Culinary Arts. She placed 18th out of 40th participants in creating a 5 course meal. 

We viewed the health sciences area, where they have Surgical Technician Certifications, EMT courses, and CNA classes. So many options and the ability to have usable skills in the workplace directly out of high school. 

We also got to see the auto shop and welding center, which had all the tools that you see in a shop down the street.  They have cars that have real problems which are their project for the semester.  The welders create actual items, like firepits, and sell them. 

And, to think, this is all available to our high school students at any Columbia Public School, and Hallsville & Ashland are included as well. They are currently working with Tolton Catholic to come on board in the future. 

JK

Quickbooks, Fox Trot, & Cupcakes Oh My!

What do all of these things have in common?  Well, you can learn about each one of these and a whole host of other topics in the Columbia Area Career Center's Professional & Community Education classes.  There are so many different topics and most are under $150.  Want to polish up a second language? Take French, Spanish or Chinese courses.  There are Microsoft classes being offered, along with other technology courses like how to build your website.  There are some great cooking classes, like In the Kitchen with Your Kids! Or, get creative with Zumba dancing, guitar lessons, or making glass beads.  So many options, and at such an affordable price, it's hard to beat! But hurry, classes start next month. 

You can sign up online here. 

JK