adolescents delve into trade professions and engineering at the CTE Summer Exploration Program for Middle Schools.
Madison Middle Schoolers Explore Trades and Technical Skills through Summer Discovery Program
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Discovery Program for middle school students in the Madison Metropolitan School District is providing hands-on learning experiences that allow students to explore a variety of trades and technical skills.
This summer, around 23 different camps are being offered, covering topics such as culinary arts, plumbing, carpentry, entrepreneurship, electrical skills, and engineering design. The program is designed to engage middle schoolers in practical, skill-building activities related to career and technical education.
One of the sessions, Engineering Design, is instructed by Jeff Matcha. This session focuses on teaching students about traction and torsion, and on Thursday, the students made rubber band-powered racecars as part of the program.
The Summer Discovery Program aims to introduce middle school students to the trades and post-graduation paths that don't necessarily involve college. It is part of the district’s efforts to provide diverse, equity-focused learning opportunities during the summer, allowing students to discover interests in engineering, trades, and other career pathways through interactive and practical experiences.
The program emphasizes exploration and early exposure to different career fields through summer camps offered in various locations across the district. According to Ian Folger, MMSD's press information officer, the district plans to continue the Summer Discovery Program next summer.
Jeff Matcha, the instructor of the Engineering Design session, emphasized that the program offers pathways outside of traditional academic classes, such as working with hands, building, design, and using creativity. This approach is designed to help students develop practical skills that can be applied in various careers.
Thursday was the last day of sessions for this summer, but the impact of the program is expected to last well beyond the summer months. By providing students with the opportunity to explore different career paths and develop practical skills, the CTE Summer Discovery Program is helping to shape the future of Madison's workforce.
- The CTE Summer Discovery Program, by focusing on trades and technical skills, encourages learning and skills training that extend beyond the classroom and contribute to career development.
- Through engaging activities like constructing rubber band-powered racecars, students are gaining a valuable education in engineering, a vital aspect of their self-development and future endeavors.
