Barstow, CA – The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department at Barstow Community College has been offering a Summer Youth Program to 5th – 8th graders from BUSD and other local districts for 10 years. This summer, 85 students were engaged in the four-week run of classes, fieldtrips and service projects from June 4th – 28th with the awards ceremony held on the final day.,
This year’s theme was “Guided Pathways to Student Success.” The program focused on different Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) related components and college level workshops, including:Manufacturing and Renewable Energy, Robotics Technology and Computer Programming, Career Assessment, and Photography. Other activities in this year’s program included: a tour of Barstow Community College’s Main Campus, career exploration day, multiple guest speakers, a trip to the California Science Center, a trip to the Barstow Fire Protection District, a health and fitness day, a swimming activity at Foglesong Park/ Eda Henderson Pool, toy and food collections and donations to local non-profits, and confidence and team building activities.
When students entered the program, they received a program t-shirt, water bottle, lanyard, and a BCC ID card. At their graduation day they also received a certificate of achievement, program yearbook, and program DVD. For the past 10 years, the program has been able to secure grant funding for program sustainability and improvement. This year’s program was funded in part by a grant from Edison International, Southern California Edison though the Edison Scholar’s program which also funds S.T.E.M. scholarships. With this funding, enrollment has increased and BCC has been able to keep the program going strong.
Many other individuals and organizations contribute to the program such as: The Dean of Instruction CTE/Workforce and Economic Development, Sandi Thomas; CTE/Workforce and Economic Development staff and faculty; BCC Board of Trustees; BCC Superintendent/President; and BCC Administration. Special thanks and recognition was also given to: BCC Success and Equity Department; Barstow Police Department, Sergeant Jarell Gilmore and Explorers; Barstow Fire Protection District, Captain Jamie Williams and Staff; BCC Foster Kinship Care Education, Amanda Simpson and Kimberly Carter; BCC Counselor, Apineru Leolofi; Tiki Shaved Ice, Abel Contreras; PACE/ECBarstow, Dr. Paul Anthony Courtney; and BCC Teacher Assistants and Student Mentors.
A link to the video overview of the 2018 CTE Summer Youth Program is included here:
https://youtu.be/c0xzf5pftXs
BCC’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department hosts the Summer Youth Program. It is a great primer for the more advanced technical education provided by CTE after these students graduate from high school. The college’s CTE programs provide essential workforce training and development through credit-based classes and contract education. The programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s employers and provide students with relevant 21st century instruction and skills development. Graduates receive Associate Degrees and Certificates that qualify then for gainful employment in today’s global economy.
For more information about the Career and Technical Education programs offered at Barstow Community College, residents and prospective students can visit the campus at: 2700 Barstow Rd., Barstow, CA. The Student Services building in the middle of campus is a great place to start. Online inquiries can be made on the college website at:www.barstow.edu
