Excel TECC opening the door to great opportunities

Excel TECC is a great way to get a kick start into your college career! Starting junior year students are able to join this program and travel to other schools and have a chance to pursue their academic interests.

April Nenadal is the Aurora school’s guidance counselor in charge of helping students transition to Excel Tecc.

Nenadal said, “Excel TECC gives students something that they can't find at AHS, hours per day to delve into a topic that is of interest to them. Every class has a hands-on component and every class involves real-life learning. The welding students are working together to rebuild a skate park. The cosmetology students operate their own salon in the community. The culinary students run the Beachwood Bistro restaurant. The engineering students created a 3D printed hand for a boy who was born without a hand.”

If a student wants to specialize more in a specific field of study or take a class that interest them, they have that opportunity through Excel TECC. Through this program students can get college credit and take certain courses that increase their chances of getting into their college of choice and pursuing a specific major (nursing, business, marketing etc).

Nenadal states, “Many people have heard of the auto and cosmetology programs, but Excel TECC offers programs in computer technology, engineering, teaching, culinary arts, studio art, and exercise science. Some students think that they can't go to college after taking part in a program but that couldn't be further from the truth. Every single Excel TECC program aligns with some type of college credit and all programs give you a skill or certificate that can never be taken away from you. I've never had a student regret their Excel TECC program but I have had students regret NOT taking part in a program.”

Students who decide to take on this opportunity will have a huge advantage academically and be able to really show what they can do in the classroom. The only disadvantage to Excel TECC is the fact that student have to leave school during the school day. Some students may not like the fact that they have to travel to another university or high school each day, after their required courses at Aurora are completed.

Nenadal states, “Students can only take three classes at AHS. For some students, this is a drawback, but to others, it is a relief to have fewer classes to juggle. Students may have to get up early to get transportation to their program which may be as near as Chagrin Falls or as far as Eastlake.”

In order for a student to be apart of Excel Tech they must have adequate grades and apply for the program. Furthermore, on December 6th Aurora is also inviting all student to an Excel TECC Opportunity Day at Mayfield High School.

Nenadal said, “Any student who has an interest or passion for a program would be a good fit. This is the most important trait in an Excel TECC student. The second would be a student with a good attendance record. Showing up each day is critical as a lot of the learning is hands-on and collaborative and can't be replicated if you are not in attendance.”

At both of these events the public can have the chance to see what Excel TECC is all about and how it works. If you would like more information on how to qualify for the program, talk to your guidance counselor and attend these upcoming event.! This is where all of your questions can be answered and you can actually talk with students in the program to get their points of view.