On Thursday, February 13th, North Augusta High School students took center stage at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce “Good Morning, North Augusta” breakfast event. The event highlighted the successful partnership between the Savannah River Site (SRS) and Aiken County Public Schools, showcasing the incredible opportunities available to our students.
NAHS seniors Alejandro Aguirre and Jacob Lott were the stars of the show, sharing their experiences as youth apprentices in information technology at SRS, even showing off their skills with a repair demonstration before the start of the event. This apprenticeship is part of a work-based learning initiative, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their field. Both Alejandro and Jacob have completed the Information Support & Services CTE pathway, which includes our comprehensive computer repair and service courses. As certified Dell technicians, they bring the skills they've honed as part of NAHS’s Dell Student TechCrew to their roles at SRS.
During the event, Alejandro and Jacob participated in a panel discussion alongside NAHS teacher Michelle O’Rourke and SRS IT managers Tim Arnold and Jacqueline Starlings. NAHS principal Mr. Casey Rogers and ACPSD CTE Director Mr. Kenneth Lott also spoke, emphasizing the tremendous benefits of this partnership for our students. Mayor Williams praised the program, calling it “fantastic” for North Augusta.
We are incredibly proud of Alejandro and Jacob and grateful for the support from SRS and our community.
Now in its fourth year at NAHS, the computer repair program continues to be a thriving CTE pathway for our students. In less than four years, more than 250 NAHS students have earned their Dell technician certification and have collectively repaired over 2000 laptops for Aiken County schools. Graduates of the program are not only recognized as career-ready at graduation, but have a head start to thrive in STEM careers.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Foundation for their unwavering support and sponsorship of the Dell Student TechCrew program. Your contributions make a significant difference in our students' lives.
Together, we are building a brighter future for our students! 🌟