Relevance of the topic to the CTE field: Community engagement aligns closely with the mission of Career and Technical Education (CTE) by emphasizing real-world application and experiential learning. It bridges the gap between classroom instruction and professional practice, fostering student readiness for healthcare careers.
Value to participants: Participants will gain practical strategies to enhance their programs, from inviting impactful guest speakers to building partnerships with local institutions. The presentation will also provide a model for community-based events like the Teddy Bear Clinic, inspiring attendees to implement similar initiatives that connect students with their communities and future professions.
Presenter knowledge and experience: With 3 years of experience in the health science classroom, the presenter has successfully integrated community engagement into the curriculum. This includes organizing events like the Teddy Bear Clinic, partnering with local colleges and hospitals, and hosting guest speakers. These initiatives have yielded positive outcomes in student engagement and career readiness, equipping the presenter with firsthand insights to share.
