“I found the teacher-tech-prep program, came for the orientation and turned on to the notion

“I found the teacher-tech-prep program, came for the orientation and turned on to the notion of becoming a teacher. After the first week, I was just hooked. Our class [with just six students] is like a family. It’s hands on. I rave about it to my friends. I’d be just another high school student not knowing where I would got to school and with no major.” (She has secured a $64,000 scholarship to attend Westminster College with a major in math and a minor in education.)

— Casandra Aponte Choffin teacher-tech-prep senior

“You get to do. You already have experience. We get a lot of attention. I will go to YSU and major in education. I’m gonna keep my head on straight.”

— Leon Glenn Choffin teacher-tech-prep senior

“I love coming here. The teachers are really involved. I can get my license quicker. It’s way easier than to wait until after high school. I plan to open my own shop. I’m going to Youngstown State University for business administration. I can work while I go to school.”

— Franchesca Soos Choffin cosmetology senior

“My brothers came out here. My mom, too. Ever since I was little, I wanted to come here. Coming here helped me determine what I wanted to do. I’m more hands-on learning. It’s been a great experience. I’ll be sad to leave. You get taught by instructors in that chosen field. They know what’s going on. They can help you a lot.”

SEmD Nikki Luther MCCTC health-tech-prep senior, who plans to enroll in YSU’s pre-med program.

“My program is FAA-certified. I’ll graduate with a certificate and some college credit. I’ll get an associate degree within two or three months of graduation through the University of New Mexico-Roswell. ... I probably wouldn’t be doing so well academically [at my home school]. There’s a lot more to offer here.”

— Marcus Springer MCCTC aviation maintenance technology junior who intends to enroll at Kent Sate University to study aviation.

“I thought it would be good to get into a trade, not just academics. Coming here influenced me to pursue education and do better things. ... The instructors are very good. It’s a good environment.”

— Jesse Stamm

MCCTC interactive multimedia senior