by Gabriella Kraft
Prosser is a Career Education Center where Southern Indiana students can go to receive additional education or a degree for free through high school without attending college. Those who apply and get accepted excel by learning skills in their desired field. Prosser offers many classes and pathways, and students apply because their high school doesn’t offer a specific class for that pathway, or it isn’t in-depth enough.
Business Academy counselor Shelby McCorkle said Prosser offers many different programs.
“They offer 20-21 different programs, and they each have dual credit attached to them. It’s a little different depending on what program you’re in. You can apply as a sophomore, you need a letter of recommendation, a goal statement, to be on track with your credits, and good attendance. It’s a great opportunity to get hands-on experience, but it’s not for everybody,” she said.
Junior Graciela Sanchez studies Cosmetology and finds Prosser a great opportunity to better her education and get her life ready after high school.
“I can get my cosmetology license and go straight into work while I also still plan to go to college and study elementary education,” she said.
Life at Prosser isn’t the same for everybody. Most people love it, and some people do not, but the opportunities teens get while there exceed everything — the good and the bad, according to junior Jaylianah Burris.
“I love it. I like all of the different opportunities I am able to have. I plan to become an orthodontist, so Dental is a huge staple while at Prosser,” she said.
Prosser not only supports career choices; it also helps prepare students for higher education and real life. For example, junior Samantha Carillo studies Early Childhood Psychology.
“I’m going into early childhood psychology and not education because I want to help kids with their social-emotional learning more than their education. Prosser helps teach me how kids are affected in their early years and how to help/prevent certain childhood problems,” she said.
Prosser students prepare for a variety of careers; for example, junior Lorelei Darling studies Culinary Arts, junior Jacob Fifer studies Automotive Mechanical, and junior Brayden Bachman studies Constructional Electrical Trades.
“I love my Prosser class because I get to learn how to cook; it has exceeded my expectations. I want to be a private chef, so it’s very beneficial for my career choice,” Darling said.
“It’s very easy managing my time since I finish my homework in class,” added Fifer.
Additionally, Bachman said, “Prosser is great — I love how it’s hands-on, and you meet tons of people. It’s easy to manage your time as long as you stay on top of your work.”
Life at Prosser is a logical choice for students who want to stay ahead of the game. It may not be for everyone, but it is a great opportunity that prepares teens for careers after high school.
