The partnership between the Carbon Career & Technical Institute and LCCC’s SHINE program has proven to be a successful collaboration, according to Rachel Strucko, director of the SHINE program. Strucko and Taryn Stewart, SHINE After School coordinator, thanked CCTI’s Joint Operating Committee for the use of CCTI facilities.

“Forty percent of all the students that are in the SHINE program here matriculate to the technical school,” Strucko said. “It’s an unbelievably wonderful feeder program. We have been here at CCTI for 12 years. One of the things we like to do with all the districts we serve here in Carbon County is partner with them. I believe that partnering is the best thing you can do and share resources.”

SHINE is holding a “Nontraditional Student Camp” June 20, 23, 27, and 30th at CCTI.

“We thought the best way to do that,” Strucko said, “was to give them hands-on experiences in the summer here at CCTI. We learned that the kids love it. Parents are excited about having opportunities for their children because of COVID. This is new and different and completely free. Anything you can do to provide families with experiences for the students, we’re excited to do.”

“The program is very popular,” Stewart added. “This summer’s program was completely filled within two days.”

SHINE is an after-school program for children in grades 5 to 8 that engages students in interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) after-school activities. They operate in nine area school districts and run 13 after school centers. They serve 700 kids a night, feeding every child and busing every student home. SHINE’s core focus is on improving children’s academic skills in literacy and math, social skills and knowledge of STEM.