Science Challenge at TC
High School seniors compete at weekend events
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN TEMPLE
Temple College has a challenge for future scientists hoping to further their education next fall.
The college will hold its annual Science Challenge today, a program designed to introduce area high school seniors to science opportunities at the Temple school, according to Dr. John McClain, chair of the physical sciences department at Temple College.
The program will consist of both a written exam and a three-part laboratory experience that encompasses biology, chemistry and geology.
According to McClain, Temple College will be awarding two scholarships to the winners of the Science Challenge.
“We will present two $4,000 scholarships,” he said.
“The winners will receive $1,000 per semester for four semesters if they attend Temple College and work toward an associate’s of science degree,” he said. “That money goes a long way.”
“We hope to have around 100 enroll,” he said. “It’s open to all students in our service area.”
McClain said the scholarships are for high school kids who will be entering Temple College this fall, but high school juniors are welcome to compete as well — they just won’t be eligible for the scholarships.
“We hope to generate more partnerships in the community that support students at TC,” he said. “We want to expose these students to research activities and have them mentored by someone in the field they are interested in pursuing. We really hope to take these kids under our wings.”
SkillsUSA events are Saturday at TC
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN TEMPLE
Central Texas middle school and high school students will be on Temple College’s main campus Saturday to compete in a variety of SkillsUSA 2023 challenges.
“SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry professionals working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce,” said Eric Eckert, Temple College’s executive director of Strategic Communications & Outreach.
A non profit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school and college students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled-service jobs, Eckert said.
At Saturday’s challenge, students will compete in the areas of:
Building Search (Criminal Justice)
Community Emergency Response Team
CPR
Crime Scene Investigation
Criminal Justice National Competition
EMT
Felony Traffic
Forensic Science
Health Portfolio
Medical Terminology
Nurse Assisting
Media
Graphic Design
Advertising
“The competition allows for Career and Technical faculty to work directly with community partners in the evaluation of skills that students have gained through their ISDs,” said Stephen Phelps, division director of Business and Career Professions at Temple College.
Phelps said the SkillsUSA challenges provide two primary benefits to the students.
“The first is that they get exposure to critiques that will assist them as they advance to future competitions,” he said. “The second is that the students are exposed to practitioners from the field that are filling the roles that these students aspire to.”
In addition, being on the Temple College campus allows the students to get a feel for higher education, Phelps said.