Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2018 | Page 14

Opportunities Abound in Our Education System By: Catharine T. Pearce [email protected] www.beyondbusinesscoaching.net A couple of years ago when my friend Steve Paterson suggested I join the Education Committee at the LCRCC. I thought sure, why not? I have a background in education, I’m on CCISD Campus Instructional Improvement Committee and was a school director for several years. However, after about the third meeting I quickly realized I was the only “non-educator” in the room. I was not President of a school board, Superintendent or a Director, not a tutoring company and was not affiliated with CCISD, DISD or any area colleges in any way. Nevertheless, I totally enjoy our meetings, ask lots of probing questions and began learning about all these amazing programs and unique opportunities our education systems offered. Because we all evolving, and things are always improving, I thought I would share some of these golden nuggets and a few things I learned recently at the State of Education Breakfast and Lunch. Did you know? * CCISD and DISD has a preschool program for children with disabilities starting at age 3. * CCISD and DISD offer a variety of tech classes such as Computer Maintenance and Networking, Mobile Apps, Video Game Design and Development, Broadcast and Studio Cinematography. Students can even take the Network+ Certification Exam! * There are many opportunities for small businesses to get involved and partner with our schools to help shape our future generation by sharing their expertise and offering co-op opportunities for high school and college students. 13 MOMENTUM / May 2018 * College of The Mainland saw a need, applied for and received a Texas Workforce Grant to offer a 3 week FREE Fast-Track course in drywall, plumbing, electrical, and general remodeling to help contract companies find unemployed skilled workers who can help with the rebuilds after Hurricane Harvey. * San Jacinto College recognized through its Petrochemical Advisory Council formed of leaders and plant managers from the petrochemical industry, that the industry needed more skilled workforce for the future. The $60 million Center for Petrochemical, Energy and Technology will be opening in 2019. * University of Houston, Clear Lake is presently working on a Safety and Chemical Process Management program that arose out a need from the industry. As existing professionals retire, there is no program presently in place that trains qualified workers to fill those spots. A University of Houston alumnus helped identify this problem and is helping lead this project. I could fill up the next two pages with interesting facts and programs our area schools and universities offer that you probably did not know about, but instead, let me just invite you to get involved. Whether it’s the Education Committee, Business Development Committee, Legislative Committee or any other committee or board that LCRCC offers, I promise you will get back so much more than you give. Learning about and being involved in the happenings of our community allows me to be educated on what’s going on and gives me a voice to be heard. If you are a life- long learner like me, you will enjoy learning about all the astounding happenings going on right in our own backyard. Is ignorance bliss? I think not!