SYRACUSE — As enrollment in the Pathways Career and Technical Education Cooperative, also known as the Wawasee Area Career and Technical Cooperative, continues to grow, so do the choices and possibilities for students. More than 250 students across three school districts are currently enrolled in at least one Pathways course, a 10 percent increase from the 2017-18 school year.

As more students see the value in the real-world and hands-on education offered through Pathways, more of the programs are approaching or exceeding full capacity. To accommodate the growing programs and allow room for future expansion, the school board has approved the purchase of land within walking distance of the main high school campus.

Within the next few years, some of that land on Sycamore Street in Syracuse will become a launching pad for innovation and inspiration for students across Kosciusko, Elkhart and Whitley counties. The new technology center will be home to engineering, electronics and robotics programs and will also serve as a “makerspace” for students to bring their ideas and plans to life.

“This investment shows that our career and technical education program is always ready to adapt and expand to meet industry demands,” said Jon Everingham, Pathways director. “Career and technical education works for students; it works for businesses and, most importantly, it works for our communities.”

Whether students are planning to attend post-secondary institutions after high school or enter the workforce, Pathways caters to everyone. Last year, students were able to earn industry certifications — proof that they have mastered the concepts that will help them in future careers, as determined by industry leaders — and earned 1,020 dual credits. Considering the cost of a single credit hour at Indiana state universities is in the range of $300, Pathways saved students hundreds of thousands of dollars in college tuition last year alone.

More than 60 businesses across three counties currently work with Pathways students, offering work-based learning opportunities. As students earn real-world experiences, businesses can rest assured that future employees are learning what they need to know to enter the workforce.

Pathways is a cooperative partnership between Whitley County Consolidated Schools, Wawasee Community Schools and Fairfield Community Schools, who work together to prepare area students with the skills necessary to become successful in college or career.

“Our goal is for each student to experience a vibrant environment at Pathways where they can master new knowledge, tap their creativity and explore their potential,” Everingham said. “At Pathways, we are preparing our students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill and high-demand careers.”

Programs of study within the three-school cooperative include: agriculture; architecture and construction; arts, AV technology and communications; business and marketing; culinary arts; education and training; health services; human services; law, public safety, corrections and security; manufacturing; and transportation.

For more information about any of the programs or to arrange a tour, visit pathwayscte.com, call (574) 457-4364 or contact Everingham at [email protected]. Students interested in enrolling in career and technical education courses through the cooperative should contact their school’s guidance department.