Summer Tech program helps students learn about trades and careers

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Middle school students explored a variety of career fields at the Mid-Del Technology Center’s Summer Tech program.

The weeklong camp on June 26-30 offered classes in aviation, cosmetology, masonry, and robotics. Students learned about the programs through hands-on activities, guest speakers, and demonstrations. All classes were tied to an existing program offered at MDTC.

“Summer Tech is a great way to expose middle school students in our community to hands-on experience in aviation, robotics, cosmetology, and masonry,” said Rebecca Foster, assistant superintendent of Mid-Del Technology Center. “This year’s camp also provided amazing opportunity for student to explore career opportunities and interest at Mid-Del Technology Center.”

MDTC received support from the Midwest City Community Improvement Grant Program and Dolese Bros. Co. for Summer Tech. The grant was used to buy equipment and software and offset registration costs for students. Dolese sponsored the entire masonry program.

The popular aviation program taught students the basics of flying using the X-Plane software. Students learned about takeoff, flight patterns, landing, and communication in the air.

Christian Noble, a former crew chief for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, taught the class.

“Each day we added another piece,” Noble said. “Today, we’re working on communication. We showed the kids an app that show the radar with all of the flights in the air right now.”

On the final day, students took a field trip to Tinker Air Force Base to meet the Blue Angels pilots who were in town for the air show.

In cosmetology, students learned about the importance of proper skin and hair care and explored the color wheel. Instructors demonstrated make-up trends, manicure techniques, and skincare basics.

The masonry program showed students the fundamental concepts of the trade. Dolese sponsored the program and provided all the instruction. They also invited different companies every day to lead activities.

RJ Johnson, who will be in eighth grade at Epic this fall, said he originally wanted to sign up for the aviation program but ended up having a blast in the masonry class.

“It’s been really fun learning about the patterns and getting to make something creative today,” he said. “And I like to get my hands dirty.”

In robotics, students designed and built a robot that they used to compete in challenges. They started the week by building the robot and later added sensors and a claw feature.

Erin Hurst, MDTC coordinator, said they had good response in enrollment. Each class was limited to 12 students. Aviation filled up quickly after they opened the program in May.

“We definitely want to do a longer program or have a couple of different classes,” she said.