On September 24, 2019, a team of UA Cossatot employees participated in the "Explore Success, Youth Manufacturing Conference." This conference took place at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope. At the conference over nine-hundred eighth-graders from Southwest Arkansas gathered to explore opportunities for employment in multiple manufacturing settings.
UA Cossatot's team consisted of Welding instructor, Stuart Dufrane; Industrial Electricity Instructor, Randy Thompson; Admissions Advisor, Rachel Barfield; and Division Chair for Skilled and Technical Sciences, Steve McJunkins.
The goal of the conference was to give junior high students an opportunity to learn information from industry and manufacturing leaders about the requirements for obtaining employment. UA Cossatot attended the conference to provide information to these students about how they can seek post-secondary educational opportunities in these career fields at UA Cossatot.
UA Cossatot employees at the conference also educated the youth about the college’s Secondary Career Center. Information was given, allowing the eighth-graders at the conference to learn about how they can earn college credit while still enrolled in high school. UA Cossatot’s Secondary Career Center allows juniors and seniors in high school the chance to take college level courses in Industrial Technology, Welding, Automotive Service Technology, Diesel Technology, and Medical Professions.
UA Cossatot representatives were able to answer questions and discuss college opportunities at UA Cossatot with students directly. Students were also able to observe equipment that people in specific skilled and technical fields would use on the job. The available learning activities allowed students to learn and actively participate.