School District Five Career and Technical Education will host a Talent Summit for businesses and community organizations from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The event will provide an opportunity for business organizations to understand ways to assist or enhance areas of study at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, network with instructors and future graduates for internships or apprenticeships, discuss preparing for the workforce and tour the career and technical education facility.

“Our mission in career and technical education is simple: build the bridge from the classroom to the workplace — connecting students to pathways, skills, credentials and opportunities that lead to successful careers,” said CTE Director David Prigge Sr. “This event provides an opportunity for businesses, companies and local organizations to hear how our students and programs can mutually benefit career readiness, workforce development and in return, how as a business they can support our programs, facilities and coursework. Together, we can shape the workforce of today.”

Registration will take place from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on Sept. 15. The event will begin at 9 a.m. with lunch provided. Interested organizations can RSVP to Courtney Williams at cswilliams@lexrich5.org by Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Open house slated Sept. 22

The Center for Advanced Technical Studies is opening its doors to the community and hosting an open house from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 916 Mount Vernon Church Road in Chapin.

CATS serves grades 9-12 throughout the district and offers a wide variety of specialized courses in 17 CTE programs. Programs include aerospace engineering, agriculture/wildlife management, auto repair technology, bioengineering systems, biomedical science, building construction, culinary arts, cybersecurity/networking, digital art and design, electrical systems, civil engineering, HVAC, law enforcement, fire and rescue, media technology, veterinary science and welding.

During the event, all stakeholders will be able to tour the school, giving parents, students and community members the opportunity to see the classrooms and labs. Teachers and current students will be available to answer questions and discuss curriculum.

"This event opens the doors to the public and district families to showcase the many college- and career-focused opportunities available to our students in School District Five,” CATS Assistant Director Roy Frick said. “The incredible work of our CTE instructors at the center prepares students for the workforce now and provides a rigorous foundation for students pursuing postsecondary studies. We look forward to inviting our community to view the excellence of CTE in School District Five.”

To learn more about CATS, visit https://cats.lexrich5.org.