September 29 through October 3, Central Tech’s Drumright campus will welcome more than 1,300 8th grade students for Career Connections. 

Career Connections is an annual event designed specifically to help district 8^th graders “connect the dots” between high school programs and future career opportunities. Students tour Central Tech classrooms and labs, meet current students, and discover career pathways across industries like healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, business, and more. By exploring these options early, students begin to imagine how their unique strengths and interests can shape their futures. 

Parents and caregivers play an important role in guiding students through career exploration. Here are key things to know about Central Tech: 

• District high school students attend half-day, tuition-free. 

• Central Tech offers full-time programs (1-2 years) for juniors and seniors. 

• Specialized academies in Biomedical Sciences and Pre-Engineering can begin sophomore year. 

• Daily, round-trip transportation is provided from district high schools. 

• Central Tech recruiters work directly with high school counselors to:

  • ensure graduation requirements are met

  • help balance concurrent enrollment, athletics, and extracurriculars.

• Central Tech benefits all students, whether they plan to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce. 

To keep the conversation going at home, try asking: 

• What kind of problems in the world do you wish you could help solve? 

• If you could master any skill by the time you’re 18, what would it be and why? 

• What does a “great day” look like for you 10 years from now? 

These questions help students reflect on what inspires them, imagine their futures, and connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities. 

Career Connections is more than a campus tour, it’s a first step toward dreaming big. As 8th graders walk through Central Tech’s classrooms and labs, they’re not just exploring programs; they’re glimpsing possibilities. With encouragement from families and educators, these students can begin shaping a future filled with purpose, growth, and opportunity.