On Thursday, May 4, a group of ninth grade Carolina Alliance for Technology (CAT) students from Clinton High School stopped by the Clinton plant. They came to learn more about AstenJohnson’s manufacturing facility and how their educational goals would fit in with our company. These students had completed an Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) course, which is the first course in the CAT / Project Lead the Way program. This program is in its third year and provides academic experiences in the areas of engineering
and computer science. CAT students are engaged in collaborative, project-based learning, work-readiness training, career explorations and college visits that are helping to prepare them for their future.

The students heard from different associates about their education and their career paths to this point. Daniel Hedou, Bob Huck, Lillie Myers, Gary Smith and Michelle Crowder all shared their experiences with the group to try to make a connection from where they are in school to looking towards their future goals. The group then took a tour of the plant with the students so they could learn more about the process of making a press fabric. Jill Wilkie, John Snead, Lillie Myers, Gary Smith, Summer Avinger and Scott Dudley handled the tours of the plant. Rob Power was in charge of the safety presentation for the group.

The CHS students were led by Tracie Scarborough, CAT guidance counselor, and Elizabeth Craven, CAT Career Development Facilitator.