The program, known as College for Kids, has been offered at CTC for more than a decade.
“This puts a taste in their lives for learning and education,” said Teresa Chavez, CTC’s director of continuing education. “This gives them experience on a college campus and gets them looking forward to their own future college experience.”
The classes, which can cost as low as $11 and as high as $84, are Monday through Friday and are geared for children ages 12 months to 16 years old.
Among the most popular classes offered are CSI Junior, which teaches the basics of criminal investigation with an emphasis on fingerprinting and terminology; Slippery Slimy Science, which fosters the child’s scientific interests through projects like creating lava lamps and plastic milk worms, and Summertime Snacks, which teaches kids the basics of making and creating no-bake snacks.
Bridgitt Lawson, who fancies herself a “mad scientist,” demonstrated to a class of about 20 potential fellow mad scientists what can happen if you mix vinegar and baking soda together during her Slippery Slimy Science class Wednesday.
The mixture bubbled only slightly as she swirled the concoction in a large flask over a trashcan.
The kids, who all seemed mesmerized as the white bubbles rose to the top of the flask, would gasp and let out a collective “awwww” as the bubbles subsided again.
One by one, the children would rise from their desks and pour in their small cup of vinegar, hopeful that a volcanic reaction would result.
Although some came pretty close, it was young Esmeralda Huber who sent the bubbles over the top of the flask and spilling into the trashcan.
Mrs. Lawson, who has a background in early childhood special education and acting, could hardly contain her laughter, and neither could her class.
It is the reason Mrs. Lawson enjoys her job so much.
“I’ve been doing this for 10 years, and I have not gotten bored yet,” she said.
The children weren’t bored either.
In fact, as they stood outside the restrooms rinsing out cups, they were already getting energized for the next wacky experiment.
“I did this last year,” said an eager 7-year-old Hannah Edwards. “I like the slime.”
Miranda Perez, 10, who’d sat smiling on the front row of the class, said she doesn’t know what she wants to do yet, but she knows she wants to go to college.
So does Esmeralda, 9, who sees herself working in the scientific field when she grows up.
“I’ve always wanted to go to college,” she said.
