Early Technical College students present career pathways, ask commissioners for internship partners

Students and staff from Early Technical College presented to the Montgomery County Commission on Feb. 3, 2025, outlining career-and-technical education programs, enrollment growth and a request for local businesses to sponsor paid internships.

The Early Technical College presentation detailed the program’s expansion since 2018, current course pathways and student outcomes, and asked commissioners to use their networks to recruit internship partners. Students described competency-based learning, college credit opportunities and debt-free career pathways through paid internships and employer partnerships.

Noel Warren, a senior at Early Technical College and president of the student ambassadors, introduced the group and said the program specializes in HVAC training and participates in the Montgomery County Emerging Leaders program. Ethan Casselli, a senior in the HVAC program and vice president of the student ambassadors, noted that February is National Career and Technical Education Month and introduced the school to the commission. Presenters listed program partners that offer paid internships and sponsorships, including Screaming Eagle, Ready Mix, Dr. Ron Strobel and local auto shops.

Program staff said the college began in 2018 with 16 students and had about 70 students at the time of the presentation; instructors projected roughly 100 active students for the 2025–26 school year. Students described a competency-based learning model and pathways that combine high school and college credit. Jacob Schafer, a junior in the industrial electrical maintenance and mechatronics program, said the program “allows me to get started early and to gain experience and knowledge prior going into college,” and that he is eligible for 22 college credits. Gabe Lehman, a senior in the diesel-powered equipment program, said, “Early Technical College will provide me with a debt free career.”

Constance Brown (presenter) and other staff told commissioners the program needs new business partners for internships. Brown said the program expects to lose some federal funding from Workforce Essentials and is seeking paid internship sponsorships, and she gave a figure for the paid-internship sponsorship level: $6,300 per intern for the paid internship track. The presentation also identified local internship placements and employers who host students, such as A and R Complete Auto Care and Gaylord (listed in materials presented).

Commissioners responded with praise and offers to help. Commissioner Padreaux noted military scholarship opportunities for pharmacy school and encouraged pharmacy-program students to consider those routes. Commissioner Bail asked how to learn more; the presenters said interested parties could contact “Mrs. Brown or Dr. Bailey” by the contact cards they provided. Commissioner Burkholder said his company has participated in the program and endorsed it; Commissioner Leverett, who said she previously worked in technical education, praised students’ work ethic and the program’s community benefits.

The students presented certificates and gifts to Mayor Golden and closed by asking the commission to connect them with local employers to expand paid internships and sponsorships. The commission moved on to other business after the presentation.