Forrest Technology Center-Hospitality and Tourism: Erica Mundie of Valley Lee, Dekker Wilson of Hollywood, Rose Bowling of Mechanicsville and Taylor Staley of Mechanicsville

Leonardtown, MD – Thursday, Jan. 19 parents, and students came to explore the twenty-four career programs offered at the Forrest Technology Center and learn how to earn college credit while still in high school. The Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center located at 24005 Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown offers 1-year, 2-year and 3-year college and career-ready programs for students enrolled in St. Mary’s County Public High School and Chesapeake Charter School.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., students visited classrooms and listened to 15-minute overviews of the program, while meeting the instructors of various programs. Students were given guidance about selecting an appropriate program, and building it into their high school schedule. All programs are offered in the morning, mid-day and in the afternoon. Programs offered include fire and rescue/EMS, automotive technology, IT networking, Welding, radio/audio production, graphic communications, electrical wiring, carpentry, certified medical assisting, engineering, hospitality, tourism and more.

Currently, enrolled students of the technology center were on-hand to help direct parents and students about the building and answer questions about the program. Hospitality and Tourism student Erica Munie 18, said she chose the program because it “Promotes people to change the face of hospitality and customer service”

Chopticon High School senior Jordan Janschek told TheBayNet.com, “Students were given a card after the welcoming introduction to take with them as they visited each classroom. After listening to the 15-minute presentation, students received a stamp on the card. Students were instructed to return the cards to one of the information tables in the foyer of the technology center to receive an application to complete and to submit.” All the information from the card is loaded into a database and saved for each student that has attended the Expo.

It is mandatory that applicants learn about the program before they apply, and the cards validate their attendance at the orientation. Janschek, who has been enrolled in the Academy of Health Professions program said, “Part of the application process includes attending the technology center Expo and we keep track to see if a person has attended before processing their application.”

All high school students are bused to the Forrest Technology Center daily for either the A.M., mid-day or P.M. session. An application for the Forrest Technology Center can be found on the SMCPS website.

Shertina Mack contact s.mack@TheBayNet.com