Bria Torrence has a passion for construction and design. Engaged by her construction class at Beaumont High School, Torrence was encouraged by her guidance counselor to apply for the Technology Scholars Academy at Linn State Technical College.
“I really loved the hands on work that I was doing in my construction class,” said Torrence. “When I got accepted to the academy, I was excited because I couldn’t wait to explore all the career options in the construction field.”
Started in 2012, the Technology Scholars Academy is a partnership between St. Louis Public Schools and Linn State Technical College to provide students academic and personal growth experiences the summer before their senior year.
Torrence used the three week academy in Linn, Missouri to reinforce her interests in a construction career. She and 11 others from high schools within the St. Louis Public School system were challenged in both specific and broader technical areas so they could more readily visualize their career options.
“We’ve gotten to see some pretty cool stuff,” said Torrence. “Before coming, I had only learned about the interior parts of construction, but now I know the importance of the foundation even down to the type of rock.”
Torrence and her classmates got to visit an aggregate plant to see how even the smallest rock can affect construction decisions in buildings and roadways. These types of on-site visits as well as exposure to hands-on projects and professionals in their field truly reinforce student learning at the academy.
“Not only did I learn a lot at the academy,” said Torrence. “But I was surrounded by students and instructors that were just as passionate about hands-on learning as I am. That made it even better.”
Dean of Institutional Research and Planning at Linn State Technical College, Rick Mihalevich, notes that the students are really engaged when they get to do and see the work that happens behind the scenes.
“The exploratory technical exposure that the academy provides is not something these students readily have access to in their high schools,” said Mihalevich. “When they come to Linn State their activities really help them see the actual work they will be doing with a technical degree.”
Torrence is sold. Motivated by a tough military mom, she pushes herself to explore nontraditional roles. “I know construction is not typically for girls,” said Torrence. “But I’m tough, and I get that from my mom. This academy really showed me that a career in construction is the path for me.”
Future civil engineer
Whether it’s piano keys or cockpit controls, Gateway STEM senior, Jotham Nixon, is captivated. A self taught pianist and aviation maintenance major, Nixon learns by doing. His hands-on approach to life made him a perfect fit for the Technology Scholars Academy at Linn State Technical College.
Nixon applied to the academy with two goals in mind. “I applied because I knew there would be more hands-on coursework and I wanted to get my feet wet in civil engineering technology,” said Nixon.
He took full advantage of the academy’s educational philosophy.
“I went in expecting to focus on civil engineering and surveying,” said Nixon. “I didn’t know I would learn to control some huge CAT equipment. Once I figured it out, I scooped up a ball and dropped it into a basket. That was pretty cool.”
These experiences and others really showed Nixon that there is more to do within the civil engineering career path than he knew. The academy reinforced his learning with hands-on projects, on-site visits, and exposure to professionals in the field.
After completing the three week academy in Linn, Missouri he realizes that aviation maintenance is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of technical career options. Though he isn’t entirely sure what he’ll do, he does have a dream.
“Well, in a perfect world, I would be a civil engineering tech by day and a professional musician by night,” said Nixon.
To learn more about the Technology Scholars Academy at Linn State Technical College visit http://tsa.linnstate.edu/index.php.
STLCC offers free training
St. Louis Community College is part of a state-wide community college consortium to offer free training to unemployed, underemployed, low-skilled adults, veterans and Trade Adjustment Act participants.
MoManufacturingWINs will focus on preparing workers to earn nationally recognized credentials endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers such as the National Career Readiness Certificate, the National Institute for Metalworking Skills and the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council.
STLCC offers three training pathways in the areas of certified logistics associate, certified production technician and precision machining technician. A high school degree or equivalent is required to be eligible for this program.
For more information, visit www.stlcc.edu/MMW. To get started, click on the “apply now” button and complete the online application.
