Why Choose a CareerTech for Your High School Student? Francis Tuttle’s FREE courses jumpstart college or career BY REBECCA FAST . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Early exploration of varied careers and career paths can encourage a student’s passion, refine their interests and help better prepare them for college or a career after high school. According to the U.S. Department of Education, eight years after their expected graduation date, students who focused on career and technical education (CTE) courses while in high school had higher median annual earnings than students who did not focus on CTE. Among Oklahoma’s CareerTech network offering these valuable early learning experiences is Francis Tuttle Technology Center, which encompasses four campuses: the Portland, Reno and Rockwell campuses in Oklahoma City and the Danforth campus in Edmond. Established in 1979, Francis Tuttle Technology Center offers more than 30 programs tailored to provide hands-on training and individualized instruction to equip every student — from high school students to adults — with the skills and industry-related certifications needed for real-world careers. High school students can enroll at Francis Tuttle tuition-free. Transportation is provided between participating high schools and Francis Tuttle campuses. Trying on future careers for size Carson McCachern, a 2023 graduate of Deer Creek High School, began his journey at Francis Tuttle his sophomore year. He first enrolled in the Computer Science Academy and then moved to the Engineering Academy due to his interest in robotics. Carson was drawn to the programs at Francis Tuttle because of the small class sizes, hands-on lab work and the block scheduling, which allows for longer class periods and classes that typically meet every other day. He says the learning opportunities at Francis Tuttle made him very excited for his future, which includes attending Wichita State University this fall to major in computer engineering. Carson especially enjoyed his capstone project and time with the robotics team, which earned a spot at the World Competition in Houston, Texas. Carson’s older brother, Carey McCachern, also attended Francis Tuttle Engineering Academy and currently works as an electrical engineer. Their mom, Cindy McCachern, who’s been a guidance counselor at Deer Creek High School for 23 years, says the early preparation her sons received at Francis Tuttle helped them confirm their career choices and gave them the jump on college coursework. “They both participated in First Robotics, an amazing STEM program that provides hands-on technology learning through robotics,” said Carey. “Running a robotics program is very expensive and is not always possible at each individual high school. However, students from numerous schools can join the Francis Tuttle team [Roboducks #1561] and benefit from the phenomenal STEM learning programs. Francis Tuttle also offers other academy programs in Computer Science and Biosciences and Medicine. Students who are interested
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HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ATTEND FRANCIS TUTTLE FREE OF CHARGE TO GAIN HANDS-ON TRAINING IN MORE THAN 30 PROGRAMS. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FRANCIS TUTTLE.
in careers in these fields should definitely consider the many opportunities available to them through Francis Tuttle. In addition to the Academies, there are many career programs for fields as diverse as culinary, woodworking, cosmetology and many more.” Tracy Skinner, associate superintendent of Francis Tuttle, says there are unique learning experiences available for almost anyone. “Whether a student is college-bound or wanting to begin a career following high school, we have programs designed to meet those needs,” said Skinner. “We also have courses, like our Pre-Nursing program, available for [high school] juniors and seniors, that serve as a stair step for students to begin working after graduating high school and continue working as they pursue additional training or a college degree.”
20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2023
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