The Calhoun County Career and Technical Center’s award winning robotics program will now be expanded to include 8th and 9th grade students, the result of a $5,000 gift from the Mississippi Chapter of the AT&T Pioneers.
From left, Rep. Jim Beckett, CEDA Director Sheila Freely, Bruce Gifted Teacher Jody Clark, Calhoun City Gifted Teacher Laurie Denley, Vardaman Gifted Teacher Jill Caples, Bruce Gifted Teacher Denise Hall, Vardaman Gifted Teacher Amy Edmondson, Engineering & Robotics Instructor Jennifer Bennett, Career Center Director Kyle Clark, and Mike Walker of AT&T.
“It is inspiring to witness the participating students’ accomplishments and how Calhoun County Career and Technical Center’s robotics program can literally be a life changer in preparing students to enter and succeed in engineering programs,” said Rep. Jim Beckett. “I am thrilled that this $5,000 donation from the Mississippi Chapter of the AT&T Pioneers will help expand the Center’s award winning robotics program to include 2nd-8th grade students.”
The Calhoun County Career and Technical Center currently serves 9th-12th grade students from Bruce, Calhoun City and Vardaman high schools.
Established in 2008 with five career and technical programs, the Center has since grown to have eight career and technical programs along with two academic classes. The Center’s robotics program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences related to the application of engineering concepts in the workplace. Thus, preparing the students to enter and succeed in post high school engineering programs and develop academic and technical skills for job success and lifelong learning.
“It is exciting to help train a future engineer,” said Kyle Clark, Director of the Center. “The Center is grateful for Rep. Beckett’s support and the AT&T Pioneers’ generosity. What an incredible opportunity for our students.”
“At AT&T, we are committed to helping people connect with their world and with opportunities and resources that make life more fulfilling,” said Mike Walker, President of the Mississippi Chapter of the AT&T Pioneers. “That’s what happens at the Center, and we appreciate the encouragement and support of community leaders like Rep. Beckett, who works so hard to improve the quality of life for everyone in Mississippi.”