Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology recently welcomed excited young visitors from Burrowes Elementary and Washington Elementary Schools, both part of the School District of Lancaster, as part of our ongoing Adopt-A-Kindergarten program. The kindergarten students spent a day immersed in hands-on technical education, working alongside our College’s students and faculty to explore potential career paths in a fun, engaging environment.
Building Skills in Carpentry Technology
The day included a visit to our Carpentry Technology program, where the kindergartners embraced the opportunity to work with their hands. Under the guidance of our students and faculty, our young visitors tried their hand at essential carpentry skills—sanding wood, practicing hammering techniques, and learning about basic tools. They even used power drills! We’re planting seeds of interest in the trades that may grow into career paths years from now.
The collaborative environment allowed our students to serve as mentors, sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for carpentry while developing their own leadership skills.
Exploring Digital Frontiers
The kindergarten students also visited our Computer Network & Systems Administration program for a tech-centered experience. The youngsters paired up with our students to explore educational games designed to introduce basic technology concepts in an age-appropriate way.
The computer lab buzzed with excitement as College and kindergarten students worked side by side, fostering connections between current technical students and potential future ones. This interaction provided a glimpse into the technology-focused career paths available through technical education.
Creating Pathways to Opportunity
The Adopt-A-Kindergarten program exemplifies Thaddeus Stevens College’s commitment to community impact and creating access to opportunity from an early age. By introducing kindergartners to technical fields through play-based learning, we’re helping young students envision futures in high-demand careers.
These visits are more than just field trips—they’re the first steps on potential pathways to family-thriving wages and fulfilling careers. Some of the kindergartners visiting today could be our students in the future.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
The visits from Burrowes and Washington Elementary Schools continue our tradition of connecting with K-12 student to build awareness of technical education opportunities. The program, which has been running for more than a dozen years, continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of introducing young learners to trades and technical fields.
As the kindergartners left campus, many were already asking when they could return—a testament to the engaging, hands-on approach that defines both the Adopt-A-Kindergarten program and the educational experience at Thaddeus Stevens College.
The Bulldog community looks forward to welcoming more kindergarten classes throughout the year and continuing to be an architect of opportunity for students of all ages.