Left, Nelson Crowley, of Patrick and a machine tool technology major at Northeastern Technical College, shows Chesterfield High School senior Robert Ratliff a project he is working on for one of his classes. More than 500 Chesterfield County seniors toured the college during Future Focus Day.

October 20, 2010
Chesterfield County High School Seniors Tour NETC

Northeastern Technical College student Timothy Clark, of Chesterfield, gave three high school students an impromptu “tool box” tour during the college’s Future Focus Day held on the Cheraw campus Oct. 13.

More than 500 seniors from Chesterfield County’s four public high schools toured NETC to learn how they could pursue their college education close to home.

Clark was not part of the scheduled tour, but when he found himself talking to some of the seniors in the courtyard, he explained how the Machine Tool Technology program is helping him to become a machinist. He also explained what tools and safety equipment are essential to the tool kit of every machinist.

NETC students enrolled in the Practical Nursing program also spoke to groups of seniors touring the nursing department. Practical nursing  student Victoria Warren operated “Sim Man,” a simulation mannequin in one of the newly renovated nursing classroom, much to the delight of the seniors who got to feel his pulse, hear him moan and talk about his ailments.
While on campus, students also learned about taking college classes at NETC during high school through the dual enrollment and Technical Advanced Placement (TAP) programs.  These programs provide high school juniors or seniors an opportunity to prepare for college by being in college. The courses they take can apply toward a college degree and, in some cases, toward high school graduation.

NETC faculty and staff conducted the tours and presented information  on application procedures and deadlines, options for financial aid, and the variety of academic, career training and transfer pathways available at the college. 

After the tours, students stayed on campus for lunch, enjoying sub sandwiches from Substation and mingling with seniors from other schools in the county.

Future Focus Day is a 10-year partnership program between the college and the county school district designed to help high school students prepare for a college education.