RCMS career class tours MCTC Rowan Campus in pilot initiative

December 7, 2023
by Megan Smedley

Faculty and staff at Maysville Community & Technical College’s Rowan Campus welcomed over 200 students from Rowan County Middle School to campus to tour and learn about MCTC’s programs.

During the tour, students engaged in interactive sessions with MCTC faculty, participated in hands-on demonstrations, and had the chance to envision themselves as future college students.

Practical Nursing, Computerized Manufacturing and Machining Technology, Electrical Technology, Welding Technology, Air Conditioning Technology, Respiratory Care, and Construction Technology were programs that were highlighted during the tour.

Melissa Lewis, Principal of Rowan County Middle School spoke highly of the initiative, stating, "Empowering our students with firsthand experiences in higher education is a key component of our commitment to academic excellence. This visit to MCTC has opened new horizons for our students, broadening their perspectives and inspiring them to dream big."

With over 200 middle schoolers attending the three-day October event, this was the first time a group of middle school students that size had toured the Rowan Campus.

Christy Kissick, MCTC Admissions Specialist, says she hopes the college can do this every year and invite other middle schools in the service region to participate.

“We understand that most middle school students haven’t decided what they want to do, but that was the point of this pilot event. We wanted to plant seeds because they will soon be high school students and, hopefully, dual credit students at MCTC,” said Kissick. “The eighth graders have to choose career paths before they reach high school, so we are just making sure they know what options they have and that we have a great college as an option.”