Submitted by Lion Club President Nick Jones
Melissa Stephan, M.Ed., Director of Curriculum and Instruction, LakeTechnical College was the guest speaker at the Lions Club on February 9, at IHOP in Clermont. The Club wanted to know more about the programs offered at Lake Tech as the Club plans to award a $1,000 scholarship to a worthy student.
Members of the Club have felt there was a growing problem with higher education, namely the cost and the continual slide of meeting the real needs of business and commerce. As a result, they have feared that we are paying dearly now in the lack of dedicated, skilled workers in so many fields of labor. Sensing the need to learn more, the Club reached out to LakeTechnical College to acquire about how they are addressing the growing workforce needs in the local community.
Mrs. Stephan shared that Lake Technical College’s mission is to be an intricate component of the economic growth and development in our communities. She indicated that Lake Tech is very strategic in deciding which programs to offer and the focus is on high-wage, high-skill careers. While data shows that only 21% percent of the total workforce of our country requires a traditional college degree, Lake Tech specializes in a “Career in a Year” with important industry credentials to help people quickly get into the workforce.
Additionally, Mrs. Stephan spoke on how Lake Tech is expanding through partnerships around the county. One of the newest program additions is the Veterinary Assisting program which is located at Lake County’s recently completed new Animal Shelter on CR 448. Also on the horizon is the City of Tavares’ new Public Works facility. LakeTech will be moving its automotive and diesel programs to the new facility which will allow students to further practice their skills by working on the city’s vehicle fleet, such as emergency vehicles, garbage trucks, and other mechanical units. For more information on all of Lake Tech’s programs, please visit www.laketech.org.
Club President Nick Jones is launching an all-out effort to encourage interested residents to consider becoming a Lion and participate in some of their charitable work in collecting used eyeglasses, getting help for the visually impaired that fall through the cracks of government assistance, helping the Neighborhood Center and many other worthy causes.
