The Boy Scouts of America has partnered with the school district to provide students a hands-on opportunity to explore programs offered at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center that they may later be interested in pursuing.

“Students, along with their parents, explore local careers and learn about the educational opportunities we have to offer,” explained Charles Kinsey, TCC director. “We plan to work through every program, which is 11 in total.” 

The Exploring Club visited the TCC cosmetology program on Tuesday, March 12, and TCC students under the instruction of Susan Chronister shared tips about styling hair, painting nails and applying makeup. 

Beginning in January, over 40 club members participated in the initial tour of the building trades program hosted by instructor Jody Cochran, and last month club members learned about the welding program taught by Chris Carpenter. The next Exploring Club is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the 3203 Oak Grove Road location, featuring an auto collision overview led by teacher Denni White. 

Mike Dineen, Sioux District executive under the Greater St. Louis Area Council, approached Kinsey with the concept to provide younger students, male and female, exposure to the skilled trades. While the TCC offers annual tours to area students at the eighth grade level and sophomore year in high school, the new program goes down to grade six.

“This is of vital importance for our community and our local businesses as we begin to create character-driven programs that will produce quality future employees,” Dineen stated. “This program is a unique way for us also to grow local talent, which is something that businesses are consistently searching for as they seek qualified employees in the surrounding area.” 

For more information, email Dineen at [email protected] or call 573-778-7687. 

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Cutline: David McKuin of the Poplar Bluff Middle School receives a salon quality hair treatment.