CTC Expands K-8 Career Awareness with Mini Camps

Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center is excited to announce the launch of our brand new Career Explorers Mini Camps, a new opportunity designed for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. These Mini Camps are the latest additions to CTC’s expanding focus on early career awareness programs and activities.

“Career awareness doesn’t begin in high school—it begins with curiosity and curiosity is strongest in elementary school,” said Superintendent Michelle Patrick. “By expanding opportunities like Career Explorers Mini Camps, we’re helping students and families start those conversations earlier, building awareness, and strengthening the connection between families and CTC.”

First Mini Camp: September 27

The first Career Explorers Mini Camp kicks off on Sunday, September 27 and will be hosted on CTC’s campus by members of CTC’s Career Awareness Team. This inaugural camp will include a variety of activities from construction and veterinary science career paths.

Designed for Families

Designed with families in mind, the Mini Camps create space for caregivers and students to explore together and to spark conversations about interests, strengths, learning styles, and future dreams. These shared experiences help students start thinking about future careers, college options, and life after school in a fun and approachable way.

Registration Information

There is no cost to attend and no need to register for the Mini Camps! Registration is available for the Career Explorers Club, a free, year-round club that rewards students with exclusive programming and resources. For more information, visit SCCTC.org/Kids.

Upcoming Mini Camps & Themes

Mini Camps follow a drop-in format, allowing families to stay as long or as short as needed. Mini Camps will also offer grab-and-go activities for busy families. Parents and caregivers are required to attend alongside their student, as this is a family-focused experience.

Mini Camps will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following dates:

• September 27 – Construction & Vet Science
• October 16 – Tech-or-Treat Event
• November 8 – Aviation
• December 13 – IT & Entrepreneurship
• January 17, 2027 – Cosmetology & Soft Skills

Connecting With K-8th Grades

Over the last several years, CTC has focused on increasing opportunities to connect with students in kindergarten through eighth grade by launching a dedicated Career Awareness Team. This small but impactful team has:

• Distributed more than 10,000 Career Kits to students and families across Clark County
• Participated in STEM Nights at Greenon Local Schools, Lagonda Elementary, and Northeastern Elementary and Jr. High School
• Supported Tecumseh Elementary and Middle School classrooms with Career Kits
• Organized the annual week-long summer camp that has grown by more than 50%

CTC has also expanded its community reach through partnerships with local libraries, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and Girl Scouts of Western Ohio to provide hands-on STEM activities.

According to Career Awareness Supervisor Christinia Steffanni, the new Mini Camps build directly on this momentum.

“The Career Explorers Mini Camps are a natural extension of the work we’ve been building over the past few years,” said Career Awareness Supervisor Christinia Steffanni. “From Career Kits to summer camps and community partnerships, each step has been about meeting students earlier and helping families understand the many pathways available. These Mini Camps allow us to bring that experience directly to our campus, and we’re excited to continue expanding these opportunities. Information about our upcoming summer career camps will be shared soon.”

Learn more about Career Explorers and upcoming opportunities:
➡️ SCCTC.org/Kids