When you were in high school, did you have the resources to help you define your interests and skills? Did you have guidance in finding the career of your dreams? The eighty plus participants, involved in Career Pathways Academy did. June 23rd through June 27th, 2014 was Career Pathways Academy week, funded by the Carl D. Perkins grant and supported by the Career Pathways office.
Krista Fusari, the Outreach Coordinator at EpiCenter Services did an amazing job setting up four teams of participants (teams green, orange, blue, and red) with field trips, team building activities, and profound industry and SPC speakers. Team Career Pathways Academy’s mission was to expose these incoming high school sophomores and juniors to as many Career and Technical Education (C.T.E) fields as possible in a fun and supportive environment. Each team was given a fun packed schedule and two Pinellas County teachers to support them on their journey.
Career Pathways Academy participants went on action packed field trips such as Valpak for engineering career investigation, National Aviation Academy to explore careers in mechanics and aviation, SPC’s Allstate Center for Public Safety career knowledge, and the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort to learn about the hospitality industry. The four teams visited multiple health industry labs at SPC’s Health Education Center (HEC). Gary Brown of Funeral Services, Dr. Rebecca Kramer of Physical Therapy Assistant program, Joan Tonner of Dental Hygiene, and Tim Fair and Bobby Roe of Orthotics and Prosthetics all outdid themselves, sharing their speciality programs with Career Pathways Academy participants.
Each team hosted law enforcer, Corporal Cassidy Perry and his canine, Pulo, Joe Herbert of the Tampa Bay Rays, Dr. Susan Baker from SPC’s College of Nursing, and Sara Oates of the FBI. St. Pete Gibb’s campus Outreach Specialist, Rosaria Pipitone, walked teams individually through Focus2 career assessments, which was a big hit with the participants. Career Pathways Academy ended with a concert from SPC’s Music Industry Recording Arts (MIRA) program and free SPC mementos.
Dr. Jason Krupp, the SPC Director of Workforce Services said of Career Pathways Academy week “This program exemplifies the strong partnership the college has with Pinellas County Schools. Everyone who participated should be proud of the work done last week to help Pinellas County high school students to make informed decisions about their potential career paths. Thank you to Krista and the other Career Pathways team members including Lisa Yacso, Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Melinda Daun, Career Pathways Administrative Specialist, and Tiffany Kiernan, Career Pathways Student Assistant.”
Want to witness more of Career Pathways Academy? Follow us and Like us on Facebook, St. Petersburg College-Career Pathways to Success. View pictures and posts from Career Pathways Academy week sent by participants, parents, and program support.
