September 29 through October 3, Central Tech’s Drumright campus will welcome more than 1,300 8th grade students for Career Connections.
What is Career Connections?
Career Connections is an annual event designed specifically to help district 8 th graders “connect the dots” between high school programs and future career opportunities. Students tour Central Tech classrooms and labs, meet current students, and discover career pathways across industries like healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, business, and more. By exploring these options early, students begin to imagine how their unique strengths and interests can shape their futures.
Why Parents and Caregivers Matter Parents and caregivers play an important role in guiding students through career exploration. Here are key things to know about Central Tech:
• District high school students attend half-day, tuitionfree.
• Central Tech offers fulltime programs (1-2 years) for juniors and seniors.
• Specialized academies in Biomedical Sciences and Pre-Engineering can begin sophomore year.
• Daily, round-trip transportation is provided from district high schools.
• Central Tech recruiters work directly with high school counselors to: o ensure graduation requirements are met o help balance concurrent enrollment, athletics, and extracurriculars Central Tech benefits all students, whether they plan to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.
Questions to Ask Your 8th Grader After Career Connections To keep the conversation going at home, try asking:
• What kind of problems in the world do you wish you could help solve?
• If you could master any skill by the time you’re 18, what would it be and why?
• What does a “great day” look like for you 10 years from now?
These questions help students reflect on what inspires them, imagine their futures, and connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities.
Looking Ahead Career Connections is more than a campus tour, it’s a first step toward dreaming big. As 8th graders walk through Central Tech’s classrooms and labs, they’re not just exploring programs; they’re glimpsing possibilities. With encouragement from families and educators, these students can begin shaping a future filled with purpose, growth, and opportunity.
About Central Technology Center: Everyone achieves success.
Central Tech provides hands-on learning and technical education, dedicated to empowering students with practical skills and technical knowledge for immediate application. Powered by the Oklahoma CareerTech system, Central Tech serves 26 diverse communities, offering a wide range of programs that cater to high school students, adults, and industry professionals. With over 400 business partnerships, the tech center provides customized training solutions contributing toeconomic growth. The Truck Driver Training Program, offered in partnership with other technology centers, spans several locations across Oklahoma. Central Tech fosters a culture of success and lifelong learning.