P-TECH Discovery Days Offer Students Hands-On Experience
Recent “Discovery Day” events at CAM P-TECH in Springville and WNY P-TECH in Dunkirk provided middle and high school students with opportunities to explore various career pathways.
Eighth-graders toured facilities, met staff, and interacted with current students. The events also offered ninth-graders a chance for hands-on experience before selecting a specific pathway.
At CAM P-TECH, students can choose between the Electrical Construction & Maintenance Electrician or Computer Information Systems pathways. WNY P-TECH offers Welding Technology, Mechatronics, and Mechanical Technology with concentrations in CAD or Machine Tooling.
In Springville, participants rotated through classrooms and received hands-on tutorials from current students. They also met ELA, math, history, and science teachers.
“Discovery Day provides eighth-graders with valuable insights into the pathways available at CAM P-TECH, helping them make informed decisions about their future education,” said CAM P-TECH Principal Heather Banks. “Students can participate in activities specifically related to the Electrical Construction and Computer Information Systems pathways. Additionally, they can learn about the P-TECH approach, which seamlessly combines high school, college, and career training to prepare them for both higher education and the workforce.”
Banks added that the event fosters a sense of community. “During the event, students have the opportunity to meet teachers and current students, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This connection helps them feel more engaged with the school as they consider their educational options.”
In Dunkirk, students from Lake Shore and Gowanda visited, experiencing demonstrations of all four pathways. Almost a dozen ninth-grade students from WNY P-TECH also participated.
“Discovery Day is designed to provide exposure for our current ninth-graders to assist them in declaring a pathway in the spring and to allow interested students to see why WNY P-TECH may be the right choice for them,” said Nicole Donato, school counselor.
For more information about P-TECH at Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, visit e2ccb.org/programs/p-tech/
