In Control of Their High School Experiences

Eighth-graders from three different school districts arrived by the hundreds to McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood for the sixth annual Math to Careers Conference on Thursday.

About 1,200 students visited parts of the CPTC campus to participate in 36 real-world math workshops like northwest technology, aviation maintenance and graphic technology. Clover Park School District middle school students from , , and met with Clover Park instructors and community and business partners on how math skills are vital to a successful career.

Eighth grade is a critical transitional period for upcoming high school students. Janet Holm, outreach coordinator for CPTC, said one of the goals behind the conference is to combat the high school drop-out rate.

"Options and education is what it's all about," Holm said.

The event was kicked off with a rap video titled, "Math is What You Do," produced by Zach Holm, a junior at Washington State University and Emerald Ridge High School graduate. His story delved into participating in various clubs and sports, noting that there is something out there for everyone in high school

"Getting involved was one of the most importhing things I did," Holm said who was a active member in various clubs including the baseball and football team. "It will make the biggest difference in your high school career."

Nationally acclaimed speaker Dr. Arthur Benjamin, “The Human Calculator,” inspired and entertained students during an amazing, “Mental Calculation” presentation. Dr. Benjamin also demonstrated and explained his secrets for performing rapid mental calculations faster than a calculator.

He wowed the crowd with an amazing display of math, including a trick where he was able to tell the students what day of the week they were born.

High school career counselors were on site to meet with eighth-graders and talk about the transition from middle school to high school. Students also had a chance to meet with traditional high school counselors while exploring non-traditional options such as the Lakewood Career Academy, Pierce County Skills Center, and Northwest Career and Technical High School.

About Clover Park Technical College:

Clover Park Technical College offers more than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing, construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services.  The college also offers certification, online and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses. 

For more information call 253-589-5800, or visit www.cptc.edu/careers