Central Virginia Community College
CVCC Opens Fifth Summer Academies Camp
Record 135 Middle School Students to Participate
Lynchburg, Va. /Media Release/ -- A record 135 area middle school students will explore world opportunities as CVCC presents its Fifth Annual Summer Academies. The week-long event features insights into the exciting fields of nuclear technology, aviation, building trades, forensics, advanced manufacturing, women in engineering, health care, and information technologies. Programs will run throughout the week beginning August 7.
Hurt native and stock car driver Stacy Compton will kick off this years Summer Academies. He will address all the students also giving them an up-close look at an authentic NASCAR vehicle. Lynchburg College president, Dr. Kenneth Garren, will also speak with the students. Garren, along with his brother, is a first-generation college graduate - an experience the administrator has used in the past to motivate young men and women to greater achievement.
Summer Academies began in 2002 as an opportunity for boys and girls to explore modern technologies. Through a hands-on approach to one of several occupations of early interest, it is hoped that many of the students will aspire to enter the field of their choice, setting goals at an early age. They will step into the real world as groups are taken to nuclear facilities, crime labs, through the skies, and other venues pertaining to their elected fields of endeavor.
CVCCs Stan Shoun, Vice President of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, believes Summer Academies is an important step to providing a workforce for the future of central Virginia. In ten years 80% of the job market will require post-secondary education. Obviously, not all children are equipped nor do others aspire to get four year degrees. Many of the good paying jobs these industries offer merely require associate degrees or certificates of trade.
Shoun involves the parents of the participating students as well. As primary advisors, he believes it is important for them to understand the premise of the program. Many of these students leave camp with a direction making it important for their parents to have some insight on what the programs offer and what they may mean to their children. Parental support and influence is critical to furthering a childs ambition.
Summer Academies is open to all middle school students within Region 2000 on a first come, first served basis. This years capacity of 135 participants was a sellout as it has been since the program started. However, Shoun believes that with further contributions and more volunteers, limits will exceed 200 students in just a couple of years.
While we charge $25.00 per student, no child is denied the experience due to a lack of funds, Shoun says. Entry fees cover a mere fraction of the expenses incurred in putting on the camp. In fact, tens of thousands of dollars are donated by area businesses and organizations, many offering volunteers to assist in the various events.
This years partners include AREVA, CentraHealth, The Building Association, The National Guard, Sweet Briar College and Liberty University.
For further information on Summer Academies contact the CVCC Department of Workforce Development and Continuing Education by calling (434) 832-7607 or e-mailing demasterst@cvcc.vccs.edu.
Release Date: 1:40 PM (EDT) 07/26/06
Release Number: 060726.sumeeracademies
Media Contact:
Kennan J. Meyer
Coordinator, Public Relations and Marketing
Central Virginia Community College
(434) 832-7609
Copyright © 2006 Central Virginia Community College. All Rights Reserved.
A Member Institution of the Virginia Community College System.
