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2009 Summer Career Academies
Come One, Come All!

2009 Summer Career Academies Photos
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Central Virginia Community College, in alliance with the Region 2000 Career Pathways through Tech Prep Consortium and the Region 2000 Technology Council, will once again sponsor high technology career academies for middle school & high school students.  These academies are high-quality career exploration events and a growth experience for all participants.

A $45 non-refundable fee will be due with registration.  Payment by check or money order, payable to Region 2000 Technology Council, should be mailed to CVCC, Workforce Development, Attention:  Barbara Bragg, 3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg, VA  24502.

All academies will be held Monday – Friday, August 3 – 7, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Students may be dropped off at their academy sites after 7:45 a.m.  Students will be picked up at their academy sites at 12:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Questions?  Call Barbara Bragg, Summer Career Academies Coordinator, at 434-832-7672 or email braggb@cvcc.vccs.edu

Online Registration Begins March 16, 2009
Click Here for the online form.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CAREER ACADEMIES (rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders)

Advanced Manufacturing
Begin with an idea, take it through computer-assisted design, and finish the “widget” on a computer-controlled machine.  Get a view of real world, 21st century manufacturing processes with an emphasis on the latest in technology.  This course is for the student fascinated by applied engineering and technology.  It introduces students to the entire manufacturing process from research and design (R&D) to prototype production, quality control and assurance, and finally distribution.  Students will observe CAD drafting, rapid prototyping, CNC programming and testing, and will tour local companies to see real world applications.

Agriculture
This academy will focus on agriculture-related careers by experiencing hands-on learning activities and demonstrations of cattle farming in Virginia; “From the Farm Gate to the Dinner Plate”.  Led by the owners and managers of New London Farm in Bedford County, this academy will offer lessons in basic nutrition, cattle breeds, the forage industry, and career opportunities in farming. 

Aviation Technology
The Liberty University Aviation Department and CVCC will partner to teach students about the wonderful world of aviation.  Take part in mini-ground school lessons in the university aviation "Pilot Ready Room", build and fly rockets and finish the exciting week with an actual flight in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk.

Building Trades
This academy will introduce students to careers in construction and architecture.  It will familiarize them with the many different aspects of building projects from planning to construction.  Students will learn basic skills including blueprint reading, use of hand tools, and safety.  The group will complete a hands-on project and will tour local job/ companies sites to see real world applications.

Crime Scene Investigation: Investigating Your Future in Law Enforcement
Local law enforcement organizations will partner to teach students about various fields of law enforcement with emphasis on crime scene investigation and private investigation. Students will take part in presentations, demonstrations, and practical exercises in collecting evidence that will lead you to solve a mock crime.  Two camps will be held this year; one at the CVCC campus in Lynchburg, one at our Bedford Center in Bedford County.

Culinary Arts
This academy will introduce students to career opportunities in the food service and hospitality industries.  Students will be introduced to basic cooking skills and pertinent safety and sanitation issues within the industry.  Students will be encouraged to work both individually and collaboratively within groups to complete hands-on projects and participate in field trips.  Two camps will be held this year; one at Appomattox High School and one at Amherst High School.

Experiencing Science
During this academy, students with an interest in science will be given a chance to explore the basics of biology, chemistry, physics and earth science. Labs will be included which look at cells for genetic traits, chemical reactions, electricity, rocks and minerals, and light.  The academy will include a field trip to a local lab to see how science plays a role in industry.  Students will also be building a laser pointer from a kit to use in some of their experiments.

Health Technologies
This academy is for students who are interested in careers in health technologies where job opportunities are unlimited.   Students will be exposed to Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Laboratory, Emergency Medical Services and Nursing.  Students also complete the Family & Friends CPR Anytime Personal Learning Program training.

Information Technology
This academy is for students who are interested in careers in information technology/ wireless communications, and will introduce them to the latest developments in the field.  Working both individually and in small groups, students will complete hands-on projects in class, and participate in special field trips.

Motorsports Technologies
This academy will introduce students to NASCAR Motorsports Technology, such as the Busch Series, the Craftsman Truck Series, the Nextel Cup, other racing divisions, and related careers in automotive technology and body fabrication and repair.  While the primary focus of the class will be on Motorsports round track race vehicles, students will have the opportunity to learn about other career opportunities in the racing industry.  The program will be conducted by personnel from Turn One Racing.  Class sessions will be at the CVCC Altavista Center with a field trip in the local area.

Nuclear Technologies
This academy will introduce students to the concept and applications of nuclear energy.  Students will be taught the challenges and rewards of working in a nuclear environment.  Career opportunities will be highlighted with engineering projects which will include: robotics, non-destructive materials testing and various repair techniques/ equipment used in the refurbishment of nuclear power plants.  Students will also tour the local nuclear training facilities.

Pharmaceutical Technology
This academy will incorporate, from beginning to end, the process flow of raw materials (excipients) evolving into finished product sold to consumers.  Led by personnel of Barr Laboratories at their Forest facility, the camp will detail the manufacturing process i.e. pharmacy weighing, granulation/compounding, compression, encapsulation, coating, packaging and distribution of product. The learner will understand the concepts of compliance to regulations dictated by the federal government and state codes concerning health, safety and environmental regulations.  Additionally, terminology specific to the industry will be explained and defined.

Women in Engineering and Technology
This academy is for middle school girls who like to be creative and want to help build a better world. Students will be actively engaged in The Design Process—considering what’s behind devising a rollercoaster and what’s involved in developing a new ride; students will design their own ride. Staff from Sweet Briar College will take the students on a journey through modern engineering via active engagement. Students will also have the opportunity to tour local engineering firms, such as Areva, and learn about engineers and what they do from a group of dynamic area professionals.
 

HIGH SCHOOL CAREER ACADEMIES (rising 9th and 10th graders)

Advanced Construction
This academy is for students interested in construction technology.  Participate in many key phases of a structural concrete construction project. Students will work with engineers to design the project, with a rebar fabricator to detail and fabricate the required reinforcing steel, and with a contractor to build the project.  The student group will tour a local engineering office, reinforcing bar detailing office and fabrication shop, and work on a local jobsite.  Students will have the opportunity to use design analysis software, CAD software and tools and technology on a construction jobsite.

Advanced Engineering
This academy is for boys and girls wishing to explore different facets of engineering.  Students will participate in hands-on projects in areas such as robotics, biotechnology, alternative energies, and GIS technology.  Students will tour local companies using advanced technology to experience real world applications of engineering.

Advanced Manufacturing
“How It’s Made” is a program which reveals manufacturing techniques and processes.  If you like this program, then you will really like this camp as we tour local manufactures in the region.  See how computerized numerical controlled (CNC) machines perform operations such as drilling, milling, and boring produce specific components or products.  Learn how to take an idea, draw on computer aided drafting (CAD), program a CNC machine with the end result being a real part made.  Explore manufacturing, using your minds and hands to begin developing  a highly needed skill in a highly skilled trade.

Wireless Technologies
Ever wonder how your text message makes it from your cell phone to your friend’s or how TV and radio work? For those students interested in electrical engineering careers, come learn about this exciting communications technology that has dramatically shaped our world and continues to evolve. Explore wireless communications through demonstrations, hands-on projects and field trips to local companies engaged in wireless product design.  Students will learn some of the history and engineering aspects of wireless communications and practice problem solving skills utilizing cutting-edge wireless devices. Learn more about careers in electrical engineering from local engineers designing products that affect everyday life.