West-MEC Returns to In-Person Teaching by Erica Shumaker, Marketing Manager
We are grateful for the opportunity to develop new and thriving educational centers where students are empowered to participate fully in the economy.
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hroughout the pandemic, schools and students alike have faced unprecedented challenges. Now in 2021, as Arizona starts to revive, students are looking for the education option that best fits their needs. Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), a local public career and technical education district, has returned to its in-person, hands-on learning model, which is necessary for the variety of programs and certifications they offer. West-MEC operates four campuses throughout the North and West Valley that serve more than 37,000 students from 48 high schools from districts in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. WestMEC students are prepared to earn a certification and gain employment immediately after high school or apply their experiences and knowledge to their next level of traditional education. “Today, more than ever, it’s vital that students understand the application of academics to real-world careers,” said West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan. “The United States is, and will be, in need of a highly trained and skilled workforce for the 21st century. We are grateful for the opportunity to develop new and thriving educational centers where students are empowered to participate fully in the economy.” West-MEC’s focus is on the delivery of quality, comprehensive, articulated, industry-validated programs, facilities, equipment and resources that include: classroom instruction, laboratory instruction, work-based learning, and a Career and Technical Student Organization. Pharmacy Technician instructor Au-
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drey Stewart said every graduate of her one-year program is eligible to test and be employed as a pharmacy technician. Should students choose to further their education at a university or pursue additional health care-related careers, they will already have an advantage. “Anyone my age when I describe what I do says, ‘I wish they had that when I was in high school,’ and the amazing part is that the students all have an inkling in what they want to do. I don’t expect them to all come in to be pharmacy technicians for life or to become pharmacists, but they have an interest in health care. So, I try to keep it broad so they can have success in whatever they choose to do in the end,” Stewart said. “The best part is that it gives students options for employment as they are qualified for both full-time options with benefits, or part-time while pursuing other goals such as college or other education.” West-MEC does not limit its instruction to traditional high school students, either. The district offers a variety of adult education courses to those wishing to make a career change or become certified for in-demand job opportunities. Such programs include welding technology, aviation maintenance technology, pharmacy techni-
cian, IT security and more. In addition, West-MEC also boasts its Project SEARCH Program. Project SEARCH is an international program that helps empower young adults with disabilities to help them make a successful transition from school into a professional career. Participants are taught relevant, marketable skills while immersed in the working world. Student interns learn applicable job and social skills that help make them valuable employees. The Project SEARCH students are fully engaged in both classroom and on-the-job learning experiences through worksite rotations, giving them not only knowledge but confidence to succeed in their future workplaces. “The steps you see the students take are amazing,” said Job Coach Lyntasha Barrett, who’s own daughter went through the program several years ago. “They’re nervous and a bit stressed out at first, but then they blossom into confident and happy adults. And, when they go on to get a job and do well in their careers it’s a wonderful sight to see.” For a full list of programs at each West-MEC campus, please visit www. west-mec.edu/central-programs/
SUMMER 2021
