News Summary
High school juniors and seniors in Chattanooga are participating in the annual TECH Academy program, a free summer camp designed to provide insights into technical career paths. Sponsored by BASF Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College, the program allows students to engage in hands-on experiences in various trades. Through expert instruction and facility tours, students gain valuable skills and knowledge in STEAM-related fields, promoting workforce development and educational support within the community.
Chattanooga – High school juniors and seniors in Chattanooga are participating in the annual TECH Academy program, a free summer camp designed to expose students to potential careers in technical fields. Sponsored by BASF Chattanooga in collaboration with Chattanooga State Community College, the program is currently in its sixth year locally and celebrates its tenth anniversary overall.
The TECH Academy offers a week-long curriculum that combines hands-on experiences with industry instruction, allowing students to delve into various trades such as welding, electrician work, and manufacturing. It targets students from Hamilton County seeking exposure to STEAM-related career opportunities.
On the inaugural day of the camp, students engaged in lab sessions that provided practical skills and knowledge. They also visited Tennessee American Water, enhancing their understanding of real-world applications of technical disciplines. This exposure is critical as students navigate their future career paths and consider fields they might not have previously explored.
The program’s structure incorporates a range of activities including industry tours, expert-led instruction, and hands-on projects. Students have the chance to learn about engineering practices, 3D printing, mechatronics, and robotics. To complement their learning, participants will tour local manufacturing facilities such as Komatsu and Chattanooga Bakery Inc., as well as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dam.
Participating students expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to explore various career options and build upon their existing knowledge in fields of interest. Educators have noted the value of the program in fostering interactions between students and industry professionals, thereby providing insights into diverse career roles available in large industries.
The TECH Academy not only focuses on reinforcing basic knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of understanding the various job opportunities within the workforce. Through the program, students can identify their interests and the practical applications of their skills in the workforce.
With the program fully funded by BASF, the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to promoting STEAM education and fostering workforce development within the community. The application process for TECH Academy is open, allowing students to submit their applications online before the designated deadline.
As the TECH Academy continues to nurture the next generation of skilled professionals, it reflects a growing recognition of the importance of technical education in today’s job market and the role local organizations play in supporting the community’s educational efforts.
The ongoing success and popularity of the TECH Academy exemplify how targeted programs can impact student career trajectories by providing invaluable hands-on experience and facilitating connections between education and industry.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Technical education
- Chattanoogan
- Google Search: STEAM education
- BASF News Release
- Google Scholar: workforce development
- WTVM
- Encyclopedia Britannica: technical education
- BASF News Release
- Google News: careers in technical fields
