The Technical and Career Education Center (TCE) and Advanced Technology Center (ATC) held their annual recruiting trip to Ocean Lakes on Nov. 21, 2024.
Sophomores were called down to the auditorium at around 10:30 a.m. Counselors Robert Marlin Jr. from the TCE and Angella Heerema from the ATC explained what the different programs had to offer.
“What sets these programs apart is their dual focus. They prepare students to enter the workforce immediately, but they also equip them with the skills and credentials needed to pursue higher education if they choose,” counselor Joanna Buonviri said.
Marlin Jr. spoke first, opening the assembly with information on TCE followed by Heerema for ATC. Both counselors spoke on what classes each program offered and how to apply. The assembly consisted of an informational slideshow with additional videos to help relay the information.
Both programs meet for five days a week and take up half a day, either in the morning or afternoon. Both provide industry certifications and emphasize hands-on learning, according to Marlin Jr. and Hereema.
At TCE and ATC, each of the 35 courses grants three high school credits. TCE offers a collection of 23 courses while ATC offers three strands of study associated with information technology, marketing and manufacturing.
The centers are limited to one course at a time per student. Students can choose which course they would like to do with a ranking of a first, second and third option during the application process. Applications offered to sophomores and juniors opened on Oct. 1, 2024, and the deadline for applications to both centers is Jan. 15, 2024. Most classes have a maximum capacity of 20 students.
“I always tell students: you have to put your name in the hat. Do not miss this chance to maximize your opportunity. Do not overlook this chance,” Heerema said.
Currently, 136 students combined attend the ATC and TCE centers, according to school counselor Joanna Buonviri. Specifically, both programs consist of various students from high schools across Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). Marlin Jr. and Heerema hoped to recruit more students from Ocean Lakes with this visit.
Sophomore Naysa Doan showed interest in the program. Naysa wants to expand upon an eighth-grade project about renewable energy and light pollution that she found lacked coverage.
“I wanted to make something better than just the standard,” Naysa said.
At the conclusion of the assembly, Marlin Jr. and Heerema continued to answer questions at a table during One Lunch. The ATC plans to hold an information night from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2024, at the Tidewater Community College (TCC) campus. In addition, the TCE will hold an open house on Jan. 15, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at the TCE center.
TCE and ATC are constantly working to keep themselves up to date with the latest technological developments to add new and necessary accommodations to the courses offered, according to Heerema.
“Going to a four-year traditional college is not the only route to success,” Marlin Jr. said.
