College introduces female high school students to career technical programs

STOCKTON — Nearly 140 young women from high schools across the region will come to San Joaquin Delta College on April 13 to be reminded of a simple lesson: They can become whatever they want to be.

Delta’s third annual Non-traditional Employment for Women (NEW) Event will expose these young women to career technical education fields that have traditionally been dominated by men, such as automotive technology, Caterpillar/diesel, electronics, robotics, engineering and surveying, welding and the police academy.

“It’s all about knowing there are many choices and that Delta College provides pathways to a multitude of living-wage jobs and exciting careers,” said Danell Hepworth, Dean of Applied Sciences, Business and Technology.

Students will spend nearly an hour attending each of three sessions highlighting the careers they are most interested in. They’ll also hear motivational speeches from three students who are either going through or have completed one of Delta’s technical programs.

What: Delta’s third annual Non-traditional Employment for Women (NEW) Event

When: Friday, April 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The opening ceremony with motivational speakers will be held at 9 a.m.

Where: The opening ceremony will be held in West Forum, followed by 55-minute sessions on each program in various learning spaces on campus. Sessions include hands-on activities with heavy equipment.

Who: Young women from high schools will be mentored by instructors and by Delta students.

Why: Many young women have never been exposed to these non-traditional career choices. Delta hopes to open their eyes to new opportunities and increase the number of female students in the college’s career technical education programs.