Hands-learning - Career Day draws 400 students to KCC

More than 400 high school students descended on the Klamath Community College campus May 23, for its annual Career Day, showcasing what the college has to offer and connecting employers with prospective workers.

Students learned to draw blood from lifelike dummies, tried their hands at CPR, used the Jaws of Life to peel back rooftops of wrecked vehicles, and built birdhouses; all part of the hands-on experience the college offers in a variety of disciplines.

About 50 local employers, ranging from forest products to law enforcement, were kept busy speaking with students about career choices, too. Nearly 100 KCC students signed up to visit the booths as well.

“There’s just so much opportunity here for the students. It helps them think outside the box,” said Crosspoint School student chaperone Becky Langford. “It is my first year here and I was amazed. There is such a wide range of career paths, from welding to chemistry.”

Looking ahead

Visiting high school students were planning their futures at KCC’s Career Day:

• Laura Reed, a senior at Lost River High School, plans to begin prerequisites for the KCC nursing program in the fall. “It’s really nice to have something so close to home to get started in nursing,” she said.
• Jose Cazares, a Lost River junior, plans on studying cybersecurity and said he enjoyed the “Ethical Hacking” program. He hopes to continue his education at KCC.
• Tiana Hemby, a Henley High School junior, wants to study forensics at the college. She’s already found a mentor at one of the employment booths to help her with her senior project, she said.
• “There are so many different things to do here,” said Hemby’s friend, Tristen Millard, also a junior. “And everyone is so friendly.”
• Eliana Sandberg, also of Henley, said she wants to study business and education
• Makhai Johnson, attending the Klamath Learning Center High School, said he’s interested in carpentry classes and welding and hopes to join those college programs.
• Mazama students Brittany Morris, Adysinn Delorme and Kati Knox, while enjoying lunch and the sunshine on the Commons lawn, all hope to get teaching degrees through KCC. “It is my second Career Day here. I couldn’t wait to do it again,” Morris said. “And KCC helps with the Oregon Promise financial aid.”

Hands-on learning

Students got to partake in aviation and driving simulations, experience augmented and virtual reality programs, study anatomy on a virtual patient and run the gauntlet of a physical testing course.

After completing the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training endurance course, Chiloquin student Brian Leon, out of breath, said, “It was tight.” Leon is interested in going into law enforcement, he said.

Alex Battis is studying aviation to become a commercial helicopter pilot under the KCC program in partnership with Pureflight. She and instructor James Wiganowsky landed a training helicopter on the lawn between buildings much to the awe of students.

“Not to brag, but this is one of the best training helicopters in the world,” said Wiganowsky, who had also attended KCC.

Dean of Career Technical Education Christopher Stickles said of the event, “Today was about lending exposure to future academics and or employees to Basin employers and Career Technical Programs at Klamath Community College. What a fun-filled, hands-on experience day.”