FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

HANDS ON! BUILD YOUR FUTURE

CAREER EXPLORATION WORKSHOPS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

MARCH 3, 2015—SANTA CRUZ, CA—The Santa Cruz Public Library System, a network of 10 neighborhood library branches throughout Santa Cruz County, today announced a series of career exploration workshops for children in grades 5 through 8 in which participants will learn about careers that don’t require a university degree.

Hands On! Build Your Future is a twelve part program held at four locations throughout central and northern Santa Cruz County made up of three topics – carpentry & construction, electrical, and mechanical design. Each session is designed for a maximum of 15 participants and is 2 hours in length. Sessions include an introduction to the careers in which these skills would be used and the necessary education/apprenticeship required. Additionally, the participants will engage in a hands on project utilizing tools and skills based on the session’s subject. Each participant will receive a book for that day’s topic and ROP, Union apprenticeship, and Cabrillo College brochures.

These workshops incorporate the principles of STEAM education which include the additional element of art and design principles into the nationally recognized educational focus on science, technology, engineering, and math as a path toward developing a skilled national workforce. “Many Santa Cruz County high school graduates do not go on to a four year university for one reason or another. We want to help them prepare for a successful life after high school by providing experiential learning opportunities about technical careers well before high school begins”, says Laura Whaley, Manager of Programs at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

In construction & carpentry sessions, participants will explore basic construction and get hands on experience building a catapult:
Thursday March 5th • 3:00 – 5:00 PM Scotts Valley Branch • 251 Kings Village Rd. Wednesday April 22nd • 3:15 – 5:00 PM Downtown Branch • 224 Church St.
Wednesday May 13th • 3:00 – 5:00 PM Aptos Branch • 7695 Soquel Dr.

In mechanics sessions, participants will explore basic mechanics and get hands on experience building metal machines:
Thursday March 19th • 3:00 – 5:00 PM Scotts Valley Branch • 251 Kings Village Rd.
Wednesday April 1st • 3:15 – 5:00 PM Downtown Branch • 224 Church St.
Wednesday May 6th • 3:00 – 5:00 PM Aptos Branch • 7695 Soquel Dr.

In the electricity sessions, participants will explore basic electricity and get hands on experience with wiring, switches, and circuitry:
Wednesday April 29th • 3:15 – 5:00 PM Downtown Branch • 224 Church St.
Wednesday May 20th • 3:00 – 5:00 PM Aptos Branch • 7695 Soquel Dr.

For more information, visit http://www.santacruzpl.org or call the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Programming Department at 831-427-7717.

 

CONTACT:
 Janis O’Driscoll, 831- 427-7700, x7662
[email protected]

About the Santa Cruz Public Library System
The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.