Two hundred and thirty eighth graders filled the Wells Middle School auditorium for the second annual p-tech or Brewster Opportunities assembly. Administrators from Wells Middle School, district administrators and a representative from Westchester Community College were also in attendance. The idea for the assembly was to both inform and recruit the next class of students.
“I know eighth grade might seem early to be thinking about college,” said Brewster Opportunities Director Miguel Suarez, “but high school is right around the corner and through this program you can get a head start on whatever it is you want to do after high school. The best part is you can obtain a free associate’s degree at WCC in one of the three technical fields offered–cyber security, mechanical or electrical technology. And we have so many community partners right here in Brewster that want to mentor and employ our students.”
Suarez showed slides and spoke to students about the program including careers and starting salaries to show students how the program might pay off.
Marcus Castro told students about a trip to Lamordermics, a foundry which is just down the street from the school district, that makes parts for the aerospace industry, parts for food processing, construction and medical machinery.
“We got to see molten metal being poured into the casts. It’s a really cool place.” In the program students can learn about how to make the casts like the ones used at Lamordermics.
There was a lively question answer session at the end. For parents who are interested in learning more, there will be a parent information session on Thursday, December 19th, from 6:00-7:00 pm. In the meantime, Suarez will be available in the lunchroom to answer all student questions about the Brewster Opportunities program.