Grant Gillett, a Vantage Industrial Mechanics senior, watches closely as Wayne Trace sophomore Levi Priest operates the lathe during Visit Day.
On Friday, February 6, Vantage hosted over 700 sophomores for “Sophomore Visitation Day”. Each sophomore had the opportunity to investigate and explore two different career technical programs of interest to them. During each one-hour visit, there were hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations prepared especially for the sophomores.
Vantage Cosmetology students prepared a style show for the 10th graders, while those visiting Welding and Auto Body got a chance to try out the new virtual welder and virtual painter. Students visiting Carpentry went out to the building site to inspect the progress being made on this year’s house project. In Auto Technology, students learned how to use the tire balancer and the rim clamp. Sophomores in Network Systems got to use some of the latest technology – Oculus 3D Rift Virtual Reality, Motion Capture, and Google Glass, while those visiting Interactive Media got to experience the new 3-D printer.
Community members and alumni also came out in force to celebrate Career Technical Education Month on Monday night at the annual Vantage Open House. Many sophomores who are considering attending Vantage for their junior and senior years brought their parents to the evening event.
Below are a few frequently asked questions – and answers – about coming to high school at Vantage.
Q: Can I go to college after Vantage?
A: About 41% of Vantage graduates continue their education immediately after high school graduation at a two or four year college. Students are urged to check with their guidance counselor to be sure that all requirements for college entrance are met.
Q: Can I receive college credits through my high school class at Vantage?
A: YES! Almost all of the Vantage programs have articulation agreements with local colleges which provide some college credit for Vantage coursework. A dual enrollment opportunity is offered through Northwest State Community College also.
Q: Can I participate in home school sports and activities?
A: YES! Students are encouraged to stay involved in extracurricular activities at their home school, such as sports, drama, etc. Vantage has very active student organizations – BPA (Business Professionals of America), FFA, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), and SkillsUSA, along with the Rotary Interact Club and Student Ambassadors.
Q: What is the tuition to attend Vantage?
A: Vantage Career Center is a public high school, open to 11th and 12th graders in the participating school districts. There is NO tuition to attend Vantage. Each program has a fee, which covers the cost of tools, supplies, equipment, and one full uniform.
Q: When are applications due at Vantage?
A: Sophomore and junior students who are considering attending Vantage should be aware that the priority application deadline is March 11, 2015. Interested students may complete and submit an online application form. Enter this address http://tinyurl.com/lec2nqa to access the application form. Students may continue to enroll throughout the spring and summer however, first choice programs may already be filled.
Vantage Career Center offers 16 different high school career technical programs to choose from. If you have any questions, please talk to your home school counselor or call Student Services at Vantage at 419-238-5411 or 1-800-686-3944 ext. 2032. You can always check out the Vantage website vantagecareercenter.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @vccstudents.
