Southeast Tech highlights Trade Skills wins, early‑childhood program growth and phlebotomy certificate

Board members heard three academic updates focusing on student achievement and short‑term workforce training.

Trade Skills USA: An instructor reported Southeast Tech took 16 students to the state Trade Skills USA contest in Mitchell, competing across seven programs. Students placed in several categories — including first, second and third in automotive and strong placements in collision repair and drafting — and four students will travel to nationals in Atlanta. The instructor said the program has expanded beyond automotive and collision to include drafting and plumbing and described the national competition as “a huge, huge contest.”

Early childhood: Loretta (who identified herself in the record as "Loretta Lilux" and whose name also appears in the meeting as "Lilacs") presented the early childhood program. She said the program focuses on birth through age 8, follows National Association for the Education of Young Children standards, and operates as a 63‑credit AAS with practicum placements in local schools and family childcare providers. Loretta highlighted a new leadership certificate (first offered this fall), seven Build Dakota scholars supported in part by city funds, work with community partners including Children’s Home Society and Ronald McDonald House, and the program’s strong placement outcomes. She noted the program struggles to recruit male students despite occasional male graduates.

Phlebotomy: Chelsea Unzicker, lead instructor, described a one‑semester phlebotomy certificate that includes 12 weeks of lecture, 12 weeks of lab and a four‑week clinical that requires 144 clinical hours and 100 successful unaided venipunctures for certification eligibility. Chelsea said the program is currently cash‑pay (not eligible for federal financial aid because of credit‑hour thresholds) but could qualify for new workforce Pell funding once state rules are set. She described retention and employment pathways — starting pay cited at about $17–$18 an hour depending on the employer — and proposed short up‑skill offerings and an online option for students with scheduling constraints.

The board acknowledged the academic updates by voice vote and asked for follow‑up on national contest results and possible steps to expand program recruitment.