EACC Connections

Welcome to EACC Connections, the quarterly email newsletter from the Elkhart Area Career Center! Our goal with this newsletter is to keep you updated about events and opportunities at the EACC with news that is informative and quick to read.

Please be sure to follow our EACC Facebook page for day-to-day activity at the EACC and check out our EACC website for detailed information about our programs!

The Elkhart Area Career Center (EACC) is thrilled to announce its selection as a participant in Indiana’s innovative Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Registered Teacher Apprenticeship pilot program. This opportunity marks a significant milestone for our Early Childhood Education program, as it provides EACC students with an advanced pathway to careers in early childhood education while strengthening the local workforce and setting a new standard for the state.

The ECE Registered Teacher Apprenticeship offers students a structured, three-tiered approach to gaining qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree

By following these steps, EACC students experience a seamless transition from high school to higher education and career advancement, blending classroom learning, on-the-job training, and wage increases at each tier. Apprentices work under the mentorship of experienced educators in early learning environments, allowing them to master essential competencies and gain valuable experience while still in school.

In partnership with Growing Kids Learning Center, EACC apprentices gain practical experience and guidance starting in the summer between Grades 11 and 12. Students can earn up to 28 college credits toward their associate’s degree while in high school, and their apprenticeships continue after graduation, providing a path to bachelor’s degrees with progressive pay increases as they achieve apprenticeship benchmarks.

Currently, eight EACC students are participating in the pilot program. Additionally, all apprentices are participating in Project TEACH, a separate program that provides funding to cover 80-95% of their bachelor’s degree costs in Early Childhood Education. This additional support means our apprentices can pursue higher education with minimal out-of-pocket expense, a substantial benefit that strengthens both their career prospects and Indiana’s early childhood workforce.

For years, EACC’s Early Childhood Education program has been recognized for its rigorous curriculum, dual credit offerings, and focus on industry-recognized credentials. Students are encouraged to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, a key credential for roles in both federally-funded and private childcare settings. Last year alone, 13 EACC students earned their CDA, bolstering their employability and readiness for careers in early childhood education.

First-year students in the program begin with job shadowing experiences in the Elkhart Community Schools’ TAPP/Preschool program, while second-year students deepen their skills through internships at local childcare centers, typically interning 2-4 days per week.

With this new apprenticeship program, EACC students are positioned to make a lasting impact in early childhood education. We’re proud to help our students build rewarding careers and serve their communities as skilled, dedicated educators.

Learn more about EACC's Early Childhood Education Program: Early Childhood Education

Learn more about the ECE Apprenticeship: Indiana Department of Education

Our 2024 Employability Skills Panels were an exciting and successful event! This year, we were thrilled to welcome 94 registered panelists—up from 75 in 2023—who dedicated their time to help prepare our students for successful futures. These industry professionals from fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, criminal justice, marketing and many others brought invaluable insight to our students, underscoring the importance of soft skills and industry skills, in professional success.

Each panelist spent one or two hours in candid discussions with students, sharing advice on the qualities, work habits, and soft skills employers value most. Their guidance provided students with a well-rounded view of what it takes to thrive in their fields and inspired them to continue honing these skills throughout their education.

Our team continues to emphasize the importance of community involvement in helping shape the next generation of professionals, and volunteers from every industry play an essential role in this. By investing just an hour or two, panelists make a lasting impact on our students' career readiness and confidence. We are grateful for each volunteer's time and dedication and look forward to continuing to grow our events with additional industry representatives.

Thank you to all who helped make this year's Employability Skills Panels a success! If you're interested in volunteering for future events, please reach out—your involvement helps us ensure EACC students are well-prepared for the workforce.

Thank you again to our business and community partners for your continued support!

If you're interested in connecting with EACC students through our events, please contact Brenda Metcalfe at bmetcalfe@elkhart.k12.in.us.

This October, the Elkhart Area Career Center hosted a college fair, bringing in representatives from 26 diverse organizations, including colleges, universities, military branches, and unions. The event provided a unique opportunity for students across our programs to explore options that align closely with their fields of study.

Throughout the fair, students engaged in meaningful discussions with college representatives, asking insightful questions about application processes, financial aid, and scholarships. This firsthand exposure to higher education and career pathways allowed students to gather essential information, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures. By fostering these connections, the fair proved to be a valuable stepping stone in helping students envision and plan for their next steps in academic and career success.

We are grateful to our participants for helping to create such a vibrant and informative event, contributing to a positive impact on our students’ educational journeys!

If you're a college interested in connecting with EACC students, please contact Gail Leister at gleister@elkhart.k12.in.us.

Construction is underway in two significant areas at the Elkhart Area Career Center (EACC).

The first area under expansion is at EACC’s North Annex on County Road 10. This large red and brown building, currently home to our Diesel Service Technology program and half of the Automotive Service Technology program, will soon accommodate all Automotive Service Technology students. The expansion includes additional automotive bays and storage to support this growth.

“Our diesel and automotive service programs continue to be two cornerstones of the Elkhart Area Career Center,” said Brandon Eakins, EACC Director. “As technology advances, so do our programs, preparing students for their next steps, whether that’s further education or entering the workforce. These programs remain highly in demand because students see the benefit of learning a skilled trade at no cost. We’re excited for full classrooms and bays in a unified space that will help us expand to serve more students.”

The North Annex expansion is expected to be completed in May 2025.

Learn more about EACC's Diesel Service Technology Program: Diesel Service Technology
Learn more about EACC's Automotive Service Program: Automotive Service Technology

The second construction area will bring an exciting transformation to the main EACC campus at 2424 California Road, creating a modern, dynamic front for our school.

Driving along California Road, visitors will notice the progress as the campus receives a significant upgrade. The former 1970s greenhouse space is making way for a bold, nearly road-adjacent extension that will enrich our learning environment.

“The new space will mirror the ETI building on a smaller scale,” Eakins shared. “It will provide state-of-the-art lab space for our Criminal Justice program and their police-training vehicles, while also serving as a venue for larger school and community events.”

Expected to open by the end of 2025, this enhanced area will expand facilities for the Criminal Justice and Veterinary Careers programs, and the former Criminal Justice space will offer dedicated classrooms and lab space for our growing Exercise Science program.

Learn more about EACC's Criminal Justice Program: Criminal Justice
Learn more about EACC's Veterinary Careers Program: Veterinary Careers

Learn more about EACC's Exercise Science Program: Exercise Science

The Elkhart Area Career Center is strengthened by its connections with industry, education, and the wider community through our Advisory Boards. We have two types of advisory boards:

Program Advisory Boards – With one for each of our 30 programs, these boards bring together experts from industry, education, and the community to guide curriculum, evaluate resources, and ensure students gain relevant skills. Members provide valuable insights into equipment needs, program evaluation, and new opportunities, such as field trips, tours, and guest speakers. Program Advisory Boards meet twice per school year (once in Fall and once in Spring) for about an hour.

EACC/CTE Advisory Board – This board supports the overall direction of EACC programming by reviewing center-wide data and offering recommendations to help maximize our impact for students and the community. The EACC/CTE Advisory Board meets three times per school year (once in Fall, once in Winter, and once in Spring).

In addition to regular meetings, advisory board members collaborate with the EACC on events, connect students with valuable networking opportunities, and support our work-based learning programs. Their involvement is essential in helping EACC provide a robust, community-centered career education experience.

For detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of advisory board members, please see the following documents:

• Program Advisory Board
• EACC/CTE Advisory Board

If you’re passionate about supporting students and shaping future career pathways, we invite you to consider joining an EACC advisory board. We are seeking advisory board members in all programs, as well as for our EACC/CTE Advisory Board.

For more information, please reach out to Brenda Metcalfe at bmetcalfe@elkhart.k12.in.us.

Last week, we had a very special visitor to the EACC!

Jack McNutt is one of the salon's most valued clients. He's a World War II veteran who just celebrated his 99th birthday. He marked the occasion by stopping in for a trim from one of our great EACC students.

Moments like these remind us of the deep connections and memories created here every day! Happy Birthday, Mr. McNutt! Thank you for your service and for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

Learn more about EACC's Cosmetology Program: Cosmetology

This year, the EACC is offering a unique opportunity to purchase quality items and equipment that, while no longer in use at the EACC, still have plenty of value left. Your participation in this auction directly supports our programs, as all proceeds will go toward purchasing new equipment and resources for our students. By placing a bid, you’re not only finding great items but also investing in the future of hands-on learning and skill development for students in our community. Thank you for your support and happy bidding! Bids are due by 12:00pm (Noon) on Friday, 12/6/2024.

Link to Items: EACC Auction

Please mark your calendars! We appreciate your support!

A heartfelt thank you to our 2024-2025 Sponsors:

• Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence

• Growing Kids Learning Centers

• Gurley Leep Automotive Family

• MacAllister Machinery

• Monteith's Best-One Tire and Automotive Care

• Utilimaster

• Whiteford Kenworth

Your support helps ensure continued success and growth of EACC programs and students. We appreciate your support!

Interested in sponsoring the EACC? Contact Brandon Eakins at beakins@elkhart.k12.in.us

Do you have suggestions for the EACC newsletter? Was this forwarded to you and you'd like to be on the distribution list? Please email Brenda Metcalfe (bmetcalfe@elkhart.k12.in.us).