Sampson Community College will host approximately 50 students from across Sampson County for the seventh annual Summer Technical Institute June 22-25.

The campus will be buzzing with upcoming ninth graders from Sampson County Schools and Clinton City Schools, who will explore the many aspects of a prospective future career field. Students will participate in a variety of exciting adventures as well as receive hands-on training in different career tracks.

Summer Technical Institute is offered to upcoming ninth graders who register at the college and complete an evaluation which ranks their future career choices and goals. From this analysis, directors are able to ensure that each student is enrolled in the educational field that interests them most. The various programs that students have to choose from are Healthcare Services, Industrial Technologies, Agriculture/Livestock and Poultry, Early Childhood Education, College Readiness, Information Systems and a Science Academy.

All of the sessions the students attend are taught by instructors from SCC and Sampson Early College High School, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition, students take part in a wide range of activities such as canoe rides down the Black River, where they will gain teambuilding skills and learn a lesson in ecology.

Another achievement for the students is the opportunity to learn CPR training as well as drug and fire safety. According to Sue Miller, vice president of Academic Affairs and director of the STI, the possibilities for these participants are endless.

“This well-rounded curriculum gives these students the opportunity to explore vocational tracks as well as get a feel for the college campus life,” Miller attested. “These kids get an education far beyond the classroom instruction, because they learn teamwork, leadership and oral communication skills that will benefit them for life after high school.”

The Summer Technical Institute began in 2003 as a result of a tech prep grant and collaborative effort with the city schools, county schools and Sampson Community College. The tech prep initiative is designed to help students focus on a future vocational track. After four days packed full of fun, learning and team building, STI will culminate on the last evening with a program that highlights the students' achievements. Parents of the students, as well as local industry supporters, are invited to join the students and faculty of SCC for the reception and watch as the magic of self-accomplishment unfolds.

Sampson Community College has a rich history of industry involvement and support. As part of that partnership, several businesses have agreed to have students on-site to see their vocational career choice in a business setting.

Some of the visits include Prestage Farms, the Sampson County History Museum, Southwood and Mary Gran Nursing Homes, St. Martin’s Migrant Headstart and a local dairy farm. Other instrumental business partners include El Mazatlan, Papa John’s, Sampson County Friends of the Waterway and Sampson County Schools.

For more information about registering for the Summer Technical Institute, contact Sue Miller at 592-8081.