High school students explore career fields at Pitt State

High school students interested in a variety of possible careers have been exploring those interests at Pittsburg State University this fall thanks to days designed especially for them.

High schools from across the region signed up to participate in events such as WritersFest, Graphic Communications Day, Explore Pre-Med Day, Music Test Drive, the College of Technology Open House, and Art Workshops.

In the spring, more opportunities will be available.

Among this fall's events:

Medicine

"At Explore Pre-Med Day, we hosted students from 10 area high schools who are interested in careers as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physician assistants, physical therapists, and optometrists," said Biology Professor Mandy Peak, organizer.

Visiting students heard presentations from alumni working in those fields, tried hands-on activities like suturing and taking vitals, toured the cadaver lab, and ate lunch with current Biology students.

Music

"At Music Test Drive Day, we had more than 120 students registered who might be considering a career teaching music or performing music and want to come to campus to see what a day in the life of a Music student would be like," said Music Department Chair Susan Marchant.

Included in their day was shadowing Music students in rehearsal groups and attending a customized performance by internationally acclaimed group Trio Globo, which also performed a public concert that evening as part of the university's Solo & Chamber Music Series.

Technology

Hundreds of high school students spent a day at the College of Technology Open House exploring cutting-edge programs, watching demonstrations using labs and equipment, and learning about career opportunities in each area of the COT, including Construction; Automotive; Electronics Engineering Technology; Environmental & Safety; Wood Product Manufacturing; Manufacturing, Mechanical, and Plastics Technologies; and Graphic Communications.

Writing

"During WritersFest, about 100 high school students interested in a writing career got to attend sessions with professional writers who specialize in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry," said English Professor Laura Washburn.

The writers read aloud from their published works, guided students through exercises designed to unleash their creativity, and participated in Q&A sessions.

Graphic Communication

Dozens of students from Career & Technical Education programs in Nevada and Lamar, Missouri, spent the day in labs learning more about creating motion graphics, using a letterpress, screen printing, the die-cutting process, photography lighting, and more.

"One neat feature about these programs is that their students pre-make files in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. We are able to print them ahead of time and use them in the demonstrations," said Graphic Communications Professor Christel Benson.

Students from Pittsburg High School and Frontenac High School also participated in their own mini lab sessions to explore potential careers in Graphic Communications.

Art

Nearly 500 high school students in classes at several area schools signed up to attend workshops this fall and next spring in a variety of 2-D and 3-D art forms, including ceramics, jewelry, design, and more, led by artists in those fields.

"This gives students a first-hand look at a variety of kinds of art in our world, the chance to learn how to make them, and the opportunity to learn how they might be used in careers," said Janet Kingman, administrative assistant for the Art Department.

Coming up

In addition to exploratory days, a number of competitive events are planned for high school students this spring including KMEA and KSHSAA Music Festivals on March 29, April 10, and April 12; Math Relays on April 8; and Science Day on April 24.

The School of Nursing is planning High School Nursing Career Day in March.

The Art Department will offer a new round of hands-on workshops for visiting high school classes.

Want to bring a class?

Interested in bringing your high school class to campus for an exploratory day? Contact the Admission Office by email or call 620-235-4129.

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