Champions For Learning student programing does not stop once the school year ends. From June 12 to June 22, 19 students from Champions For Learning’s Technical Pathways, Take Stock in Children, and College and Career Preparation programs, attended Lorenzo Walker Technical College’s annual Technical Pathways summer camp. This two-week long camp allowed students to receive hands-on exposure helping teach real-world concepts and how to apply them.
Lorenzo Walker Technical College hosts this opportunity each summer to give high school students the opportunity to explore a variety of technical disciplines to help students discover to alternative educational pathways that lead to careers which do not require a traditional four-year degree.
Students at the camp were offered three different technical pathways to explore, Transportation, Culinary, and Health Sciences. Each group was led by industry educators, providing guidance and expertise to students. The curriculum for the Health Sciences portion was developed with the help from two current Champions For Learning students, Gaby and Evansley.
Champions For Learning’s helped eliminate transportation barriers for students with working parents. Before and after camp, students were allowed to be dropped off at Champions For Learning until their parents could pick them up. Students were transported to and from Lorenzo Walker Technical College.
“I am so grateful for Champions For Learning for offering this opportunity. My parents work late and cannot pick me up until after work. Thanks to Champions For Learning, I have somewhere to stay so my parents do not have to worry,” shared Emily C., an incoming tenth grade student at Barron Collier.
Emily is interested in pursuing Hospitality as a career. She chose the culinary track not only because cooking is one of her hobbies but more importantly, she was able to explore her academic interest. Emily participated in camp last year and had so much fun, she returned this year.
“I am having so much fun making all sorts of new foods dumplings, wontons, cookies, and pasta. We went on two field trips that taught us how to practice teamwork, communication, and how to collaborate with others. Without Champions For Learning, I would not have any plans this summer and would miss out on all these memories. I plan to go again next year,” said Emily.
This summer camp demonstrates to students the possibilities of what their future could look like helping them make informed decisions.
By providing relevant educational experiences for our students, they are better prepared with academic, technical, and employability skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers and in further postsecondary education.
Champions For Learning is proud to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. For more ways to support our Champions For Learning’s student programs, please visit our website.