LEINITIA ROBINSON – LucieLink

Florida International University Hosts Biomedical Research Internship Program for SLPS Students

August 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Florida International University (FIU) recently organized a prestigious summer internship program, specifically tailored for students from St. Lucie County. Thirteen exceptional students were selected to participate in this enriching opportunity. The internship spanned five weeks and focused on biomedical research training at FIU’s Center for Translational Sciences (CTS). From June 3rd to July 5th, these students delved into various areas, including biosciences, biomedicine, and data science. Through hands-on experience, they honed essential research techniques, developed scientific reading and writing skills, and learned how to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. During their internship, students collaborated closely with FIU … Read More

Chart Your Course: Maritime & Marine Career Expo

February 26, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public School students (middle and high school students) participated in the Chart Your Course: Maritime & Marine Career Expo. This event was hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in partnership with the Career & Technical Education department (St. Lucie Public Schools). This career expo provided opportunities for students to learn about various career pathways available to them in St. Lucie County. Local Maritime and Marine business representatives provided information on skills and education needed for various career options, along with guided knowledge on obtaining career goals. The day afforded each student the time to explore post-secondary … Read More

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Mentors, #CTEmonth

February 19, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher, Mrs. Jasmine Shepherd, lead teacher for the Sports, Recreation & Marketing program at Port St. Lucie High School, is strengthening her students’ connection to community and business experts. Mrs. Lisa Cobb (Executive Director – Youth Empowered to Prosper) and Mr. Jordan Harold (Founder & Entrepreneur of Black Chain, a bitcoin company) were guest speakers for Mrs. Shepherd’s students and are now serving as mentors. Later this month, Mrs. Sheena Heppern of REAS Marketing, will be a guest speaker. Mrs. Shepherd’s students are preparing for the CTE Entrepreneurship Showcase coming up in April 2024. The CTE office has worked … Read More

TCHS Engineering & Manufacturing PreApprenticeship to Apprenticeship Connection

February 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Treasure Coast High School’s (TCHS) Engineering and Manufacturing program students learned about Apprenticeship opportunities available to them after high school graduation. Students in the program were then able to register for one of two available pre-apprenticeships (Welding or Industrial manufacturing) while enrolled in the program at TCHS. Thank you to Ms. Colleen Gill (CareerSource Research Coast – Apprenticeship Navigator) for presenting to Mr. Phil DePuy’s students. (Photos courtesy of Mr. DePuy) #CTEmonth

Criminal Justice Collaboration with Clerk of the Circuit Courts & Comptroller, Michelle R. Miller

February 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from the Criminal Justice programs (Career & Technical Education) participated in a special session hosted by St. Lucie County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Michelle R. Miller. This session included multiple presentations from the St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office, IT department, Detention staff, Probation & Parole officers, court staff, and more! Students were then provided an opportunity to tour the Courthouse and sit in on a live trial. Thank you to Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Michelle R. Miller and her team. Together, they put a meaningful presentation and provided career exploration opportunities for St. Lucie … Read More

Preapprenticeship Opportunities at TCHS – Engineering/Manufacturing

January 2, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Mr. Phil DePuy’s students from Treasure Coast High School (Engineering and Manufacturing programs) were afforded an opportunity to participate in a presentation hosted by Colleen Gill (Apprenticeship Navigator) from CareerSource Research Coast. Students learned about apprenticeship opportunities available to them after high school along with education and career options for those wanting to pursue a career in the industrial manufacturing industry. Mr. DePuy offers the pre-apprenticeship program for students enrolled in his program at TCHS. Ms. Colleen Gill is also an Engineering/Manufacturing Advisory Board Member.

CTE High School Nursing Assistant Students Participate in Skills Lab and Tour at IRSC School of Nursing

November 13, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

CTE high school students from Fort Pierce Central High School, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Port St. Lucie High School, and St. Lucie West Centennial High School participated in a School of Nursing Day at Indian River State College. The high school students are a part of their high school’s Nursing Assistant program at their respective school. Students participated in a campus tour, simulated wound care lab, IRSC and School of Nursing informational session, and opportunity to view current nursing students in action in the new simulated hospital at the IRSC Pruitt Campus. Thank you to IRSC’s staff and College of Nursing … Read More

Middle School CTE Students Connects With IRSC Health Science and Nursing Programs

November 13, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

CTE Middle School students from Dan McCarty Middle School and Northport K-8 were participants in a guest speaker presentation for IRSC’s Health Science and Nursing programs. Thank you to IRSC Deans Dr. Anne Hubbard (Health Science) and Dr. Patricia Gagliano (Nursing) and their team for the presentation, Mr. Kevin Fess (Northport K-8) and Ms. Nadjhla Gracia (Dan McCarty Middle School) for opening their classroom for this opportunity. Students in both sessions were able to get hands-on demonstrations and college information. Hands-on demonstrations included the use of personal protective equipment, using a stethoscope, and a simulated phlebotomy arm for students to … Read More

Pathways to Becoming a Physician or Scientist

November 6, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Pathways to Becoming a Physician or Scientist event was held at Lincoln Park Academy and live-streamed for students at the other high schools. Students from high school CTE and science classes from all over St. Lucie Public Schools participated as either live or as virtual audience members for the event.  Additionally, middle school students within the Allied Health program at LPA also joined. This event was co-hosted by the Career & Technical Education (CTE) and the Science Curriculum departments.  This session focused on opportunities in the medical and science fields.  The purpose of this session was to have students learn … Read More

Middle School Students Virtual Field Trip to Agriscience & Veterinarian Technician Programs at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department hosted virtual field trips as a platform to connect students to opportunities within SLPS high schools and increase awareness of college and career pathways. Middle school students within the district and their teachers went on a virtual field trip to Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet. The students learned about the career opportunities and pathways available to them including Animal Science, Agriculture Mechanics, and Veterinarian Assistant. Each program engaged students with virtual demonstrations, classroom and lab tours, and a question-and-answer segment with students in the program. A special thank you to … Read More

Career & Technical Education Teachers Completed Professional Learning with Advisory Board, Business Alliances

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers from multiple programs completed a day of learning with industry and post-secondary institutions for knowledge on industry and workforce updates. These CTE educators were able to tour the facilities, gain knowledge on the newest state-of-the-art technologies, and learn about what is needed for students to be both career and college ready. Professional learning took place at Indian River State College (hosted by Natalia Chekhovskaya, Executive Director of Advance Manufacturing) for applied robotics, engineering, manufacturing, industrial biotechnology, agriculture mechanics, outboard marine, and technical design educators from St. Lucie Public Schools. HCA Healthcare Physician Offices hosted … Read More

Justice Jam! Indian River State College and Criminal Justice Students

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Indian River State College presented Justice Jam! for Criminal Justice students from Fort Pierce Central, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, St. Lucie West Centennial, and Treasure Coast High Schools. The Career and Technical Education department assisted the Indian River State College Criminal Justice department in getting over 100 students to IRSC for this event. The Justice Jam was unique as the lead hosts were Mr. Dewey (Indian River State College and SLPS Criminal Justice Advisory Board Member) and Captain Milo Thornton (Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, IRSC Board of Directors appointed by Governor DeSantis, IRSC Alumni, Fort Pierce Westwood Alumni) and … Read More

College Readiness Presentation – Fort Pierce Central; Allied Health

August 28, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Fort Pierce Central High School students in the Allied Health program were provided an opportunity to participate in a College Readiness presentation. This presentation was special as it was hosted by Ms. Shannon Robinson, a Fort Pierce Central High School alumni and current University of Florida Dental student. Students from Ms. Charles and Mrs. Young’s classes were provided tips for success in high school and college. The presentation included a wealth of information from high school engagement and leadership opportunities to college scholarships. Quote from Shannon: “I truly enjoy coming back and giving this presentation to the health science students…I … Read More

Florida International University (Center for Translational Science) Offers Internship for SLPS Students

July 31, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Florida International University held a summer internship program for students from St. Lucie Public Schools. There were ten students selected. This internship was a 5-week biomedical research training at Florida International University (FIU) Center for Translational Sciences (CTS) from June 5th – July 14th. Students conducted research in areas spanning the biosciences, biomedicine, and data science. They were able to master basic research techniques, develop scientific reading and writing skills, and communicate challenging scientific concepts to general audiences. Students demonstrated these skills by working with FIU CTS researchers, trainees, and staff and then presenting their findings to the research team … Read More

Fort Pierce Central Alumni & Criminal Justice Academy Completer Giving Back to Community

June 5, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Ms. Hanson, a Fort Pierce Central High School graduate and Criminal Justice Academy program completer is now giving back to her community. While in high school, Ms. Hanson earned her Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) industry certification. Ms. Hanson then went on to Keiser University and earned her degree in Paralegal Studies. She also became a certified Paralegal. Working now on the Treasure Coast, she is also a member of the Keiser University Advisory Board committee under the leadership of Dr. Record, where she is giving back to the community and schools.

St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit Highlighted at St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Criminal Justice & Law Academy Students

May 1, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie West Centennial High School students from Mrs. Baumgarten and Mr. Nichol’s classes were introduced to a few local heroes. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit came out to meet and speak with students about working in law enforcement. Students were well engaged and enjoyed observing the demonstrations provided by the unit. Thank you to Deputy Randy Hunter, Deputy Steve Wise, and Sergeant Ben Deblieck; and the Career & Technical Educators for organizing this event for students in Criminal Justice/ Law Academy at St. Lucie West Centennial High School.

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Showcase

April 24, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from St. Lucie Public Schools’ (SLPS) Career & Technical Education programs showcased their business ideas during the Entrepreneurship Showcase held at the district office. During this event, students presented their entrepreneurship business plans, food truck business concepts, and more to our panel of judges. This event is a direct connection to the grant awarded to SLPS’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) department. The CTE team applied for a grant from the Florida Department of Education and was awarded funds to support CTE teachers and students in the classroom to promote entrepreneurship. Students are now connected with industry partners, Junior … Read More

2023 Career Connect Conference

April 17, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The 2023 Career Connect Conference was a success with 295 St. Lucie Public School students registered for this event. This conference included high schools from all over the Treasure Coast. The Career Connect Conference was an event offering exposure to young adults preparing to enter the workforce or post-secondary educational institutions. The goal was to create awareness and spark students’ interests through hands-on, interactive, and engaging sessions. The industry sectors included entrepreneurship, hospitality, healthcare, construction & skilled trade, technology, and manufacturing.

Fort Pierce Central’s Allied Health HOSA Chapter Visits Assisted Living Facility for Valentine’s Day Celebration, CTE Month

February 21, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Fort Pierce Central’s Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) chapter celebrated Career & Technical Education (CTE) month and shared joy and smiles on Valentine’s day. HOSA members along with their chapter advisor, Mrs. Lorraine Young, did a presentation and gave each resident flowers and gifts. Thank you to our business partner, Lake Forest Park Assisted Living Facility, for their collaboration to make this event happen. Thank you to our CTE month sponsors: Porch Factory, MidFlorida Credit Union, Certiport, Texas Roadhouse, Treasure Coast Builders Association, Howling Rooster, Carpets Etc., and NuSkin.

Allied Health Programs Unite the Community with Blood Drive

February 13, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from all over the county work with One Blood for their blood drive donation. The majority of the schools utilize their Allied Health programs to host this voluntary event for their campus. Just one blood donation can save up to three lives. Thank you to our CTE Month Sponsors: James Brann (Porch Factory), Sharita Walker (MidFlorida Credit Union), Certiport, Texas Roadhouse, Maddie Williams & the Treasure Coast Builders Association, Chris Russo (Howling Rooster), Robert Sharot (Carpets Etc.), and Jeannette Smith (NuSkin).