This school year, Central Tech will launch the Explorer Program in partnership with Mannford and Ripley public schools. This innovative program is designed to introduce students to a wide range of career options at an early stage, helping them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
Kent Burris, superintendent of Central Tech, shared the inspiration behind the Explorer Program through a personal story about his children’s varied career paths. “My three children each took very different routes to find their career passions. My oldest, Mariah, always dreamed of becoming a vet. While inadvertently in eighth grade she ended up on the non-college diploma route, she achieved her goal of becoming a veterinarian. My middle child, Hannah, knew from an early age she wanted to be a teacher and stayed true to that goal. Ben, my youngest, explored multiple careers—from construction to oil field work, then CDL and welding, before finally discovering his passion in electrical trades. These experiences made me realize that not all kids know what they want to be when they grow up, and it often takes time and exploration to find their true calling. By creating career awareness earlier, we give students a longer timeframe to explore, allowing them to experience various options and find what fits them. This saves time later in life, provides a better understanding of their options, and helps them focus on their interests, making their education student-driven.”
