Black River Technical College’s (BRTC) career coaches and Career Coach Supervisor attended the annual Career Coach Conference in Benton, hosted by the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Career and Technical Education.
Attending the conference was Dane Dillion, Career Coach Supervisor and Director of Student Development; Allison Swann, Career Coach for Pocahontas High School; Samantha Mitchell, Career Coach for Walnut Ridge High School; Francesca Shearer, Career Coach for Paragould High School; and Brittany Hall, Career Coach for Paragould High School.
The purpose of this annual conference is to keep career coaches and other stakeholders up-to-date on the latest trends, learn about promising ideas, and network with other coaches as they constantly work to increase the odds of success for the students of the schools in which they are attached.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication our career coaches put forward, ensuring that students at their respective high schools have identified a career pathway upon their high school graduation,” Dillion said. “This year's conference provided invaluable insight from our states' education leaders regarding the new LAUNCH program and related processes, and how they correlate to the career coach program. It was also a great opportunity for our coaches to collaborate with other coaches from around the state."
The College and Career Coach Component is designed to motivate and support Arkansas students and adults to achieve their goals as it relates to college and career planning through intensive, hands-on programs and services. College and Career Coaches work with students in the 7th – 12th grades. In middle and high schools, Career Coaches work in partnership with the career orientation instructors and school counselors to assist with the development and revision of college and career plans for their students. The Arkansas Career Coach program provides assistance and information for resources in the areas of academic tutoring, career counseling, college preparation and admission, financial aid guidance, mentoring, and other supports necessary for postsecondary education/training access, retention, and success.
For more information about BRTC visit https://blackrivertech.edu/.