Even with all of Groves High School’s opportunities, not every student’s path lies within the building. There are many skills and trades that Groves does not have teachers for, as well as certifications, licenses, and credits that Groves cannot provide. Luckily, Groves has access to a unique inter-institutional cooperation: Oakland Schools Technical Campuses
Also known as OTech or OSTC, Oakland Schools Technical Campuses total 4 campuses around Metro Detroit. These buildings offer many different courses for students who are interested in technical fields not usually available in high schools. From Computer Programming, to Culinary Arts to Advanced Marketing, these courses provide students with a head start in their desired industry and hands-on field experience, to jump start their training or career after graduation.
These programs are intriguing, but they also might seem distant and unapproachable. So, let’s take a more personal look into the trials and tribulations of a Social Justice Student and a Cosmetology student to open up the doors to Otech.
At OSTC Pontiac, Cosmetology Student Chloe Reed-Nordwall can focus her high school studies on makeup, hair, nails and other elements of the cosmetology industry. Looking at her most recent units, her classes look a lot different than Groves.
“We’ve been doing curling again. Reviewing it.” Reed-Nordwall says. “We’re doing more advanced stuff like Figure 6 or figure eight curls on base or off base.”
On a different campus, Brandi Campbell is doing a much different course: Social Justice.
“Right now we’re learning about handcuffing and how to deal with someone who’s overdosing,” Campbell says. “Also, a little bit of tactical work or how to handle someone who’s not cooperating.”
In the Social Justice Course, Campbell has both in-class learning and interactive elements, like games to practice tactics and techniques or outside help.
“We have a lot of guest speakers coming from the military or ex-police officers,” Campbell says.
However, OTech students have to adhere to a different schedule to be a part of these programs.
“I have to be at school at 7:00 to catch the bus.” Campbell says “I get there at 7:45 and then I leave there at 10:15. So, after that I just go home and then come back to Groves for my afternoon classes.”
Inversely, Reed-Nordwall’s Cosmetology course is in the afternoon, so she completes two Groves classes and one online course before heading to OSTC Pontiac, for up to 5 hours daily. Either way, both students spend a lot of time commuting.
Regardless, both students gain many benefits from OTech Programs, like opportunities for professional licensing.
“After logging 1,500 hours, we can go to the state board exam,” Reed-Nordwall says. “They do a practical test and then a theory test on what you know. If you pass, then you can get a license.”
According to Campbell, The Social Justice Program doesn’t have a final license, but there are small, optional certifications they can test on throughout the course.
Beyond the tangible benefits, OTech students receive much from programs, including working experience, career options and friends
“OTech influenced me to go into law enforcement, like a detective,” Campbell says. Reed-Nordwall adds “We’re together for such a long time that I become friends with everyone in the class. I like hair styling stuff, but I care more about my friends.”
Naturally, a professional training program doesn’t come without its struggles. With higher level experience comes higher-level commitment and work.
“It’s so early,” says Campbell. “We have a lot of tests, and then we also have little quizzes throughout.” Even though OTech Courses cover many different subjects, all of them have their unique, expert challenges.
“You want to do AP stats? No just curl the hair, it’s not that easy” Reed-Nordwall says.
With some of these challenges and more, OTech might not be for everyone.
“If you’re not good at paying attention, or being hands-on and being interactive with other people that you don’t know, it’s probably not the class for you,” Campbell says. She explains that the course load can be intense, not only in basic school work but with difficult interactions and physical training. Beyond that, OSTC has social struggles, too.
“I’m kind of out of touch with people at Groves because I spend all my time with my friends at OTech,” Reed-Nordwall says. “It Depends on what people prefer. If they have a lot of close friends here, they might not want to go to OTech because you won’t be spending a lot of time at Groves.”
OTech might not be for everyone, and that’s okay. However, for many, the benefits of this unique experience outweigh the costs. If you feel confident in your academic abilities and want to focus your studies in a technical field and gain hands-on field experience, then OTech is a great option. Interested students should talk to their counselor to get more information.
Groves is a great school in many ways. But as an institution, it is impossible to “do it all.” That is why opportunities like OSTC provide students with personalized experiences in their fields of choice. So, what do you want to explore at OTech?
