Sprawling crowd attends Center for Career Services’ Open House

Approximately 400 visitors attended Back to School Night

Although students were home and classes not in session, the Center for Career Services’ campus was bustling at nightfall on Thursday, Oct. 9. The school welcomed families for its annual Open House and Back to School Night.

Parents filled the walkways and classrooms with approximately 400 visitors in attendance. They first enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared and served by students from the Culinary Arts program, then dispersed to the classrooms, where each of the Center’s 21 programs was showcased, highlighting the unique, hands-on learning experiences offered.

“Parents were thrilled with our students’ progress, especially in our new Welding and HVAC programs,” Director Dahlia Jackson said. “We even ran out of parking.”

Cosmetology classrooms featured student work on prominent display. These creations, many of which were Halloween-themed, included hair and makeup designs that decorated the space, including salon workstations.

Instructors from the school’s two newest programs, HVAC and Welding, detailed the in-depth curriculum offered. HVAC instructor Moises Robles showed visitors the air conditioning condenser his students have begun wiring. Welding instructor Peter Campbell arranged a table covered with examples of his students’ work and answered questions about both the new and exciting and older and dependable equipment the class will deploy throughout the year.

In the Emergency Medical Services classroom, students demonstrated some of the medical skills and techniques they’ve already learned. Audio Production and Advertising and Graphic Design students did the same, logging into their workstations to proudly show family members sound and graphic designs they have created since the start of school.

During the Open House, parents also had the opportunity to meet with counselors and support staff to learn more about the Center’s articulation agreements. These valuable agreements allow students to earn college credits while completing their Career and Technical Education programs.

Throughout the night, the impressive turnout reflected the strong support for the career-focused education central to the Center for Career Services.