Local middle school students entering grades 6 – 8 had the chance to explore careers at Mid-State Technical College’s Wisconsin Rapids Campus, June 12, for its annual College Camp. The event drew nearly 50 participants from local school districts, homeschool students and members from local youth organizations.

Attendees chose four in-demand programs to explore throughout the day, from the following options: Business Management; Cosmetology; Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Academy and Jail Academy; Fire and EMS; Health & Wellness Promotion; IT Software Developer and IT Cybersecurity Specialist; Nursing; Renewable Energy Technician and Construction Trades; and Student Life. Mid-State faculty and staff led the student explorations. 

“It’s never too early to start career exploration,” said Jackie Esselman, dean of Recruitment and Admissions. “This year’s College Camp attendees got to see what it’s like to be a college student while having fun in different hands-on, program-related activities. Students will take these experiences with them as they grow and make decisions about their future career pathways.”

The hands-on activities included a student life scavenger hunt for attendees to get to know campus and the opportunities available to get involved. The Nursing session also included a nursing-themed scavenger hunt. Participants in the business session learned about the importance of teamwork by building towers together and practicing their communication and problem-solving skills. The information technology session featured a lock activity to represent how a physical form of security relates to cyber security. 

Cosmetology participants received hairstyle, nail polish and makeup services from Cosmetology students. The Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Academy and Jail Academy participants used walkie talkies to practice their communication skills. Participants in the Renewable Energy Technician and Construction Trades session toured the construction lab and practiced drilling holes. The Fire and EMS session featured the ambulance simulator and a tour of a fire truck.  

The Mid-State shuttle also transported College Camp participants from other campus locations to the Wisconsin Rapids Campus for the event. The shuttle was made available through a partnership with Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) and is funded through the State of Wisconsin Workforce Innovation Grant.

Next year’s event is scheduled for June 11, 2025. To learn more about Mid-State’s events, visit mstc.edu/events.