Resources for College Success

The Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium presents
37 Keys to College Success
October 20, 2008 9:00 – 10:00 am
at the
Spring Creek Campus Conference Center

This FREE event is open to all students. Author Andy Masters presents an inspirational and motivational talk on the 37 keys to College Success. He will use humor, pop culture references, technology, and spirited career examples from successful young people in this interactive discussion. To insure a seat, please call the Global EDGE at 972-548-6723 or e-mail acaffery@ccccd.edu by October 15, 2008.

Andy Masters is a national Author/Speaker who has written 4 books and earned 4 degrees. Andy’s books “37 Keys to College Success: Balancing Student Life and Academics,” and Life After College: What to Expect and How to Succeed in Your Career” include tremendous advice for students while also providing great resources for faculty and staff.

Masters says “there are so many important things that can help students get ahead, such as networking, time management, strategic career planning, etc... But probably the most important things I tell them are what to AVOID, because what they don’t know CAN hurt them. A recent Harvard University study found that for every firing due to failure to perform, there are two firings due to personality conflicts and communication issues. In my programs, I discuss office politics, professionalism, ethics, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, and even the dangers of dating in the office and sexual harassment. It’s imperative that young professionals understand what the rules of the game are, and abide by those rules, so they don’t ruin their career before it even begins.”

Andy will also present a motivational talk on engaging and inspiring students for high school teachers, counselors, college advisors and instructors. October 20, 2008 1:00 – 2:30 pm at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center. RSVP by Oct. 15th.

Six-year Plans Released

The Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium has just release six-year plans for the 2008-2009 school year. These course outlines detail what Tech Prep classes are offered at your high school and how they fit into the big picture of your education plan. They show what college level course the Tech Prep class will translate to at Collin College and what other classes you will need to take in order to complete your associate’s degree requirements. Check out the six-year plans for your school by going to the what’s offered at my school page and selecting the link to each program area.

Looking Towards Your Future-Preparing for the Real World

Backpacks and textbooks, old friends and new, back-to-school is a great time to set new goals and look towards your future. High school is a crucial time of your life and the decisions you make now will carry over into your adult life. It’s a competitive world, but with the right training and education, you can become part of tomorrow’s technology-based economy. The Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium at Collin College can help point you in the right direction.

Many jobs today require training beyond high school. Business and industry in the North Texas region need employees with education in technical areas. Technical programs at Collin College can train students for a rewarding career with a good starting salary. For many students, two-year programs often offer something far more important than status: employment with only two years of college. Additionally, students who plan to receive an advanced degree can benefit from earning an associates degree first and gaining valuable work experience in their desired field. See the Global EDGE webpage to see which Tech Prep programs your school offers. Get started now on your road to the future.

Allen High School Tech Prep Student Receives Scholarship to Pursue Culinary Arts

One recent Allen High School graduate will get a chance to pursuer her dream career as a Pastry Chef at Collin College.

Ashley Sears of Allen recently received a $5,000 scholarship from the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association to continue her education. She plans to begin classes this fall in the Collin College Culinary Arts program. Sears studied culinary arts in specialized Tech Prep classes while in high school and can now transfer those credits to Collin.

“The Tech Prep classes I took were great, they gave me a new passion for cooking and a great start for college,” said Sears. One of Sears’s most memorable times during the class was when teacher Dan Reinhard had the class make chicken piccata. “He taught us to make it with the recipe, and then the next day we had to make the same dish without a recipe,” she said, “It was a great lesson.”

Tech Prep courses give high school students marketable skills and a chance to explore career interests. Business and industry in the North Texas region need employees with education in technical areas and these courses are designed to begin that education. Tech Prep career pathways include: Biotechnology, Child Development, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Computer Information Systems, Computer Networking Technology (Cisco), Convergence Technology, Criminal Justice, E-business Media, Electronic Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology, Hospitality and Food Service Management, Information Systems Cybersecurity, Interior and Architectural Design, Marketing and Office Systems Technology.

College Tech Prep classes are funded with a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to the Global EDGE with funds provided by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998. Tech Prep does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, national origin or disability.

To learn more about what classes are available visit the Programs page at http://www.ccccd.edu/globaledge/ .

Collin College-Texas A&M-Commerce Partnership

Collin College and Texas A&M University-Commerce have partnered to assist students in completing an Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) degree. According to Texas A&M University-Commerce, “The Arts & Sciences degree is a highly flexible degree that will enhance many career paths.”

Within the plan, Tech Prep students can transfer their eligible credits and go on to complete an associates at Collin, then transfer to A&M-Commerce. Up to 85 semester hours may be transferred, leaving only 36 semester hours from A&M-Commerce to receive a BAAS degree. Texas A&M University-Commerce provides instruction both on-campus and through distance education. For more information and to view specific degree guides see, http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/CBT/baas/degree/Colindegreeguide.asp

Middle School Students Hit the Road with the Global EDGE Careers on Wheels

Stick shifts and safety belts. Steering wheels and four tires on the road. These are the forces that drive various kinds of careers in our community and around the globe. A recent event called Careers on Wheels or C.O.W. day hosted by the Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium and Collin College allowed local middle school students a chance to see some of these vehicles up close and personal. This year’s C.O.W day was held at the Collin County Community College Spring Creek Creak campus on May 16.

The event included 17 business and community organizations visited by over 500 local middle school students. and included 17 business and community organizations visited by over 500 local middle school students. Some of the displays and interactive exhibits were presented by the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, City of Plano, C-Cart, 100.3 Jack FM, Equine Express North Texas Inc., Plano Fire Department, Summit Helicopters, Collin College Police Department, Collin College B.I.E.T. , Plano Police Department, U.S. Postal Service, Collin County Animal Services, Best Buys Geek Squad Collin County Sheriffs Department and Lifetouch Sports and Special Events.

Students had a chance to see, touch and climb inside vehicles such as an extended fire and rescue truck, a modified Raytheon Hummer, a mail truck and much more. They also learned about what kind of post-high school education and/or training is required for carriers in these fields.

Tina Kelman, a teacher from Faubion Middle School in Mckinney said the event had “very useful information, my students were able to see things they had never seen before.”

Requesting Tech Prep Credits