Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast will be offering on-site career exploration to the students at Northcrest Elementary School on Friday morning, November 19, 2010, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Faculty, staff, and students from Ivy Tech Community College will provide hands-on career-related activities, training and information in the areas of technology, health sciences, and culinary and hospitality management. Each student will get the chance to attend two of the three sessions.

Students who attend the technology session will learn how to build and operate a DC motor, how planes fly, and how to complete a picture frame. They will also learn how to collect, graph, and communicate data using M and M’s.  Students participating in the health sciences group will participate in three activity areas all related to health sciences and occupations. Students will learn how to measure vital signs, how to prepare healthy snacks, and then learn about the role of mathematics in health sciences. Those taking part in the culinary/hospitality management session will actually prepare food as instructed by Ivy Tech faculty. All sessions will include a brief overview of career opportunities and requirements within the respective fields of study.

“What we really want to accomplish through this event is to provide career options for these students. Many are probably not aware of the exciting career paths that are available or don’t think college is a realistic goal. Through this activity and this partnership with Northcrest, we hope to give the third graders a glimpse into their future potential career and get them energized about the path ahead.” said Dr. Russell Baker, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College.

The career exploration day in November builds on an already established partnership between Ivy Tech and Northcrest Elementary. The college is a site for Study Connection tutoring for children at Northcrest and members of Ivy Tech faculty serve on the Northcrest Quality Improvement Team.  Ivy Tech will host an additional opportunity for skills training and exploration in March at the college.  5^th grade students will have the opportunity to tour the school as well as participate in activities in actual college labs and facilities.