More than 150 high school seniors from Orangeburg and Calhoun counties are expected to explore STEM career opportunities during a youth forum on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
The purpose of the forum – sponsored by the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and OCtech – is to reach high school seniors who don’t have a post-graduation plan. Participants will attend sessions on careers in advanced manufacturing, health science, information technology and more while learning about OCtech’s academic programs and hearing from representatives about jobs in their respective industries.
“It is important for graduating seniors to know the types of career opportunities in their communities and realize the connection between post-secondary education and a rewarding career,” said Joni McDaniel, regional workforce advisor with the S.C. Department of Commerce.
Representatives from the Lower Savannah Council of Governments will also share information about tuition assistance that may be available for students.
Keynote speaker will be Scott McGregor, a global program manager responsible for inclusion and collaboration and new-hire orientation within the World-Wide Sales Training organization at Cisco. He is a 25-year veteran of the IT industry and has worked for such companies as Marriott, Bell Atlantic, MicroAge and the Yoh Company. He attended North Carolina Central University, where he studied business administration, and holds advanced degrees in religion from Tripp Bible College and Seminary.
