ADAMS TWP — A pilot program aimed at Mars Middle School eighth-graders is meant to demonstrate that Butler County Vocational-Technical School is a viable option for a bright future.

Vo-tech guidance counselor Stephanie Karwoski said representatives from the school will come to Mars Middle School on March 5 to give eighth-grade students a presentation on the vo-tech and its programs. On March 7, information tables will be at the middle school touting programs, and vo-tech students will give demonstrations such as taking blood pressure and doing Photoshop functions.

On March 12, eighth-graders can take a tour of the vo-tech, which is next to Butler High School.

While vo-tech representatives give an annual presentation to high school students around the county, this marks the first time eighth-graders will be targeted.

“It was brought up by the two schools' administrations to increase awareness and make sure the students have the opportunity to make the course selections that will point them in the best direction,” said vo-tech Principal Kurt Speicher.

He said one reason for the pilot program is that projections show jobs in the next decade will move toward the technical, trade and industrial careers taught at the vo-tech.

Karwoski said another reason for targeting eighth-graders is that the vo-tech has agreements with colleges.

If a student takes vo-tech courses and only general education classes at their home school, they will not qualify for admission to the colleges that partner with the vo-tech. Karwoski said students need to pair their vo-tech experience with academic classes to take advantage of the benefits available at the school.

The number of students Mars has traditionally sent to the vo-tech each year also figured into this pilot program, Speicher said.

While Mars is the third-largest school in population among those sending students to the vo-tech, it frequently sends the fewest students to the school.

Anna Saker, Mars director of pupil services, said eighth-graders might be surprised when they discover what the vo-tech has to offer because it has expanded programs over the years.

She said, “I think we have to create an awareness and let kids know about what the vo-tech can provide, and get an appreciation for the work (vo-tech officials) have done, and (for students) to possibly gain a knowledge of something they might be interested in.”

Speicher said data from the Mars pilot program will be analyzed and a decision will be made on whether to make presentations to eighth graders in other districts.

The vo-tech has 833 students in grades 10 through 12 from the seven school districts in the county.

Information on the vo-tech is available at www.bcvt.tec.pa.us.