Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Career Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Central Valley juniors describe Shell challenge and CCBC pathways, including VR training
Summary
Three Central Valley juniors presented to the board about a Dec. 12 Shell Polymers visit and CCBC career pathways, highlighting virtual-reality training pilots, a CCBC advanced manufacturing certification, and an upcoming field trip; presenters said 53 students participated.
Three Central Valley High School juniors told the school board on Jan. 14 that a Dec. 12 visit from Shell Polymers and a partnership with the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) exposed students to career pathways that do not require a four-year degree.
Andrew Fay, one of the students, said Shell outlined a two-year CCBC program in plastics or petroleum-related fields and argued students could enter well-paying jobs after the program: “you can go there and you'll learn about... a 2 year degree at CCBC... and could basically make a 6 figure salary off of an only 2 year degree,” he said. Joanna, another presenter, said the program showed students options “without going to college” and emphasized that CCBC offers classes and diplomas that can lead to higher-paying jobs. Madeline described the presentation as “very interesting” and noted Shell’s local presence and the usefulness of the information for students who do not plan to attend a four-year college.
A teacher and presenter described CCBC’s Shell Innovation Center and said Shell, in conjunction with the college, has invested more than $1,000,000 in the innovation center. The presentation also highlighted a virtual-reality training concept that would let plant operators equip VR goggles on-site to be guided, by AI-enabled tools, through unfamiliar repairs; staff said students had a chance to try the VR training during the visit.
District staff said 53 students attended the Shell session and that a spring field trip to the plant and to CCBC’s technology center is planned to extend the classroom work.
Board members asked whether Shell runs the challenge program with other schools and whether students had visited the plant; staff said other business partners participate in the student challenge program and that the planned plant visit remains scheduled for the spring. The board did not take any formal action on the presentation; the item was presented for information.
