Area students who would like to enroll in Welding, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) or Machining Processes classes this fall as part of the new Friday Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academy are encouraged to complete an application and return it to the Regional Technical Education Center (RTEC) by July 15, 2014.

Students, enrolled in grades 9-12 in the Avon, Bon Homme, Gayville-Volin or Irene-Wakonda school districts this fall, are eligible to take the classes. As the name suggests, classes will be held on Fridays during the school year. Although specific times have yet to be determined for these three classes, they will be instructed at RTEC, 1200 W. 21st St. in Yankton.

The goal of Friday CTE Academy is to increase the number of CTE course offerings available to students in surrounding communities. It also was designed to help students become more aware of the career opportunities that are possible, especially with CTE training.

The academy is a reality thanks to funding awarded earlier this year as part of a Governor’s Grant for Career and Technical Education and with the support of these partners:

·         Yankton School District

·         Yankton Area Progressive Growth

·         Regional Technical Education Center (RTEC)

·         Black Hills State University

·         Mitchell Technical Institute

·         Yankton Rural Area Health Education Center

·         Avon School District

·         Bon Homme School District

·         Gayville-Volin School District

·         Irene-Wakonda School District

There is no charge for students to enroll and there is no cost for the students to receive dual enrollment credit. That means students who successfully complete a Friday CTE class will not only receive CTE credit from their high school, but they also will receive free college-level credit from either Mitchell Technical Institute or Black Hills State University, depending on the course.

Application forms are available at RTEC, 1200 W. 21st St. in Yankton or can be downloaded from its web site at www.rtecedu.org or from its Facebook page. Completed applications should be returned to RTEC. The primary application deadline is Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Class sizes are limited, but a minimum number of students must be enrolled for these Friday CTE Academy classes to be held.

Parents or students who have questions about the Friday classes are encouraged to contact RTEC at (605) 668-5700.