Area high school students joined The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department at Southeastern Illinois College for the annual Applied Technology Spotlight Day on Friday Dec. 2. Juniors and seniors were able to gain hands-on experience in the program of their choice from SIC’s myriad of technical education programs.
High school student Shelby Melendez of Norris City (right) talks with SIC cosmetology student, Katelyn Prince of Carrier Mills about the program while enjoying a polish change during SIC’s Applied Technology Spotlight Day on Dec. 2.
Programs that participated in the Applied Technology Spotlight Day include early childhood education, biofuels, cosmetology, information technology, welding technology, diesel technology, criminal justice and coal mining technology.
“Spotlight Day allows high school students to be well informed in their chosen field. By allowing the high school students and the current college students to interact one-on-one, the high school students are getting real world college experience and gaining knowledge about our program,” said cosmetology instructor Stephanie Dunning.
Dunning and SIC cosmetology students demonstrated hair braids, polish changes and other hair styling techniques for the high school students who were interested in the program.
BWX Technologies lead electrician Bobby McGuire of Galatia talks with area high school students about what employers look for in applicants during SIC’s Applied Technology Spotlight Day on Dec. 2.
High school students also got to hear from guest speakers with BWX Technologies, Jake Gill, operations manager; Bobby McGuire, lead electrician; and Chris Stacey, welding technician. They shared information about the company, as well as what all employers are looking for in applicants.
“A large part of being successful as an employee is seeing a need, and filling it,” explained McGuire. “In the absence of orders, you go find something to do. This will help you rise to the top amongst your coworkers.”
Approximately 135 junior and senior high school students attended this year’s event. The students not only enjoyed time with college instructors, they also heard from Student Affairs personnel about student life and activities, student services and financial aid.
“The Applied Technology Spotlight Day offers local high school students the opportunity to explore course and career options as well as the chance to meet with SIC faculty,” said Lori Cox, associate dean of workforce and community education. “This event, that brings students to campus, gives these students head start on planning the next chapter of their life.”
Registration for spring classes at Southeastern is still underway with the semester beginning on Jan. 9. Registration for the summer and fall semesters will begin March 27. Financial aid and scholarship applications should be turned in by Feb. 29 for the best chance at gaining financial support. SIC offers over $600,000 annually in academic, talent and athletic scholarships and nearly 70 percent of students at SIC receive some form of financial assistance. For more information, visit www.sic.edu or call a recruiter at 618-252-5400, ext. 2325 or 2245
