Education shines as a Golden Ticket in troubled economic times
Inspired by the 1971 children’s classic film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the 6th Annual DCTC College Showcase presents a Golden Ticket to the immense opportunities for success wrapped up in a college education.
Sponsored by area companies and businesses, the College Showcase takes place after hours from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2009. With FREE parking and FREE admission, this year’s exciting and informative event is decked out in gold and chocolate, following a theme linked to the spirit of Oompa Loompas, Charlie Bucketand Willy Wonka as well as the idea that learning is not only fun and fulfilling, but also offers a payoff packed with a lifetime of paydays.
Showcase Sponsors, Partners & Scrumdidilyyumptious Vendors
In partnership with the six Dakota County Chambers of Commerce, the College Showcase offers area residents the chance to explore DCTC and discover how a college education is the smartest path to prosperity in any economic environment. A degree, diploma or certificate earned from DCTC stands the test of time as something no recession or downturn can downsize, outsource or take away.
Showcase guests can sample FREE and scrumdidilyyumptious food provided by 16 surrounding restaurants while visiting with neighbors as well as with DCTC faculty, staff, students and admissions representatives.
Faculty and coaches from the college’s 50-plus academic and sports programs will staff booths and interactive displays to provide information, give demos and answer questions. Prospective students can check out the programs and current students can network with area business leaders.
Another big piece of this year’s Showcase is the upcoming launch of Project Work/Plan, a new program for dislocated and underemployed workers built on partnerships between DCTC and several community and state organizations.
Beginning April 6, 2009, Project Work/Plan will allow community members to visit the college any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 2–4 p.m. to network with other professionals, obtain career search advice and explore a centralized reservoir of career advancement options. Project Work/Plan is designed to provide an extensive range of resources for dislocated workers, including:
- Networking opportunities with seasoned professionals and peers
- Access to computer labs
- Career workshops on topics such as résumé building, marketplace trends and interviewing skills
- Information regarding short-term educational and training options
- Access to DCTC faculty, advisors and administrators
Project Work/Plan Contact Information
- 651-423-8612
- workplan@dctc.edu
Gold or No Gold
Erin Larsen, director of marketing and communications at DCTC, announced that last year’s scholarship giveaway game, Full Deal or No Deal, will return as Gold or No Gold, still following in the suitcases of the popular NBC game show Deal or No Deal, but switching gears to capture the charm and vision of Willy Wonka.
“Once again the game will give two contestants the opportunity to win full-ride scholarships to any academic program offered at the college,” Larsen said. “We’ll have 26 cases with various cash amounts just like the real show. For each contestant, or Charlie Bucket, if you will, one of the cases will contain the top scholarship prize.”
“Gold or No Gold is the college’s way of emphasizing the importance of higher education—especially in uncertain times,” Larsen added. “Earning your degree or diploma, pursuing professional development and adding to your skill set are all ways to ensure lasting financial security. DCTC might not be a Wonkavator to a vast chocolate empire, but it’s certainly the next best thing.”
People interested in participating as contestants in Gold or No Gold, which will commence at 7:45 p.m., should stop by the Admissions Booth during the College Showcase to register for a drawing.
47″ HDTV Raffle
Sam’s Club in Apple Valley has donated a 47″ Vizio LCD 1080p HDTV that will be raffled off during the evening. Showcase guests may participate in the raffle after completing an entertaining and informative scavenger hunt.
Invitations containing Golden Tickets to the 6th Annual DCTC College Showcase can be picked up at the following locations in Dakota County:
- Anchor Bank
- CAP Agency
- Community Action Council
- Cub Foods
- Papa Murphy’s
- Sam’s Club
- WorkForce Centers
- and many other businesses and organizations!
- you don’t need to bring a golden ticket to attend
Everyone is welcome. Bring as many friends and family as you can. As Mr. Willy Wonka once said, “Hold on tight. I’m not exactly sure what’s going to happen.”
All proceeds raised through Showcase sponsorships are directed toward need-based scholarships for DCTC students. Guests wishing to donate toward student scholarships should visit the DCTC Foundation booth.
Sharon LaComb, DCTC vice president of institutional advancement, expressed excitement about the upcoming College Showcase. “This is our sixth consecutive year showcasing our college and every year the event keeps growing,” LaComb said. “Your Golden Ticket is sure to be our best Showcase yet.”
6th Annual DCTC College Showcase
Your Golden Ticket
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Dakota County Technical College
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068-2999
Contact:
Trudi Greaves at 651-423-8268 or trudi.greaves@dctc.edu
Janet Lekson at 651-423-8249 or janet.lekson@dctc.edu
