The Bristol Bay Regional Career and Techincal Education program has achieved regional status with the addition of the Dillingham School District. Regional benefits will give the program access to more funding and courses.
The Bristol Bay Career and Technical Education program achieved official regional status last year by bringing the Dillingham City School District into the fold. The program is now available to all high school students in Bristol Bay.
Program Director Zach Stenson said the new status opens up more opportunities to the program.
“As a result of that we are able to offer a lot more courses, more seats than we have in the past," Stenson said. "Also for different organizations that have similar goals as we do — to help build workforce development, skills, career awareness within the region — organizations like BBEDC or BBNC are able to help fund us.”
The program covers travel, housing, and course work expenses for students.
The program is divided into four weeks spread throughout the academic year. The days are structured like a workplace environment, teaching everything from welding to emergency trauma training. Students can choose from welding, cosmetology, nautical skills, culinary arts, drone piloting, emergency trauma and entrepreneurship.
Most courses focus on obtaining certifications, college credit hours or a mix of both. Program coordinator Jenny Shryock said it’s an opportunity for students to figure out their long term goals.
“That’s what BBRCTE is all about," Shryock said. "It’s trying to help these students be successful in their careers. They don’t necessarily need to go to college or trade school. They just need something when they graduate — they’re going somewhere. They’re passionate about something. They’re not just lost after they graduate.”
To apply, students submit an essay and a reference from a faculty member. If they are accepted, BBRCTE will work with them to pinpoint their interests are and place them in courses that fit their needs. The next series of classes start next month.
Contact the author at tyler@kdlg.org or 907-842-2200
