A First Look at What's Possible: DMC Welcomes Future Vikings

What does it take to introduce the next generation of students to careers they may not even know exist? At Del Mar College, it starts with giving them an opportunity to explore.

During the College's annual Fantastic Voyage on Oct. 21–22, DMC faculty and staff welcomed hundreds of eighth graders from across the Coastal Bend and beyond to the Oso Creek and Windward Campuses for two days of career exploration.

Students got a closer look at programs ranging from culinary arts and architecture to welding, public safety and dental careers. Through interactions with faculty and staff, they learned about different professions, the training involved and opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school.

“Fantastic Voyage is about helping eighth graders discover what’s possible before they begin making some of their first important decisions about high school and their future,” said Adalee Winford, DMC Student Recruitment Specialist.

For many students, those early experiences can be an important first step toward understanding their educational options. They're also part of DMC's broader commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening partnerships with area schools and preparing students for careers that support the Coastal Bend economy.

Winford says one of the challenges in addressing regional workforce needs is making sure students know what opportunities exist in the first place, particularly in fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare and industrial technology.

That makes the time faculty and staff spend introducing students to their programs especially valuable. By helping young people connect their interests with potential career pathways, employees are contributing to the College's mission long before those students enroll.

“Our goal isn’t to ask an eighth grader to decide what they want to do for the rest of their life,” Winford said. “We want to give them a better understanding of their options so that when those opportunities become available, they’re prepared to take advantage of them.”