News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Christina Chapple Date: 4/29/03   SOUTHEASTERN SPONSORS SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM ON CONSTRUCTION CAREERS  HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University has received a $30,000 for a three-week, hands-on summer program to introduce Tangipahoa Parish high school students to careers in the construction industry.       The Perkins Partnership Grant from the Louisiana Community and Technology College System was awarded to Southeastern industrial technology professor R. Edward Rodé and Connie White of the Tech Prep Program.       The “Construction Careers Exploration” project, scheduled June 2-20, is open to Tangipahoa Parish high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors between the ages of 16 and 18 years old who have a minimum 2.0 grade point average.        The program partners Southeastern, the school system and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and, Rodé said, “will introduce students to the many facets of building construction occupations as well as the soft skills needed for success.”        “Student will get to work side-by-side with industry and education professionals,” he said. “They will learn about the occupations, tools, safety requirements and skills required for rewarding careers.”       During the three-week program, students will take field trips to area construction related industries such as Kentwood Brick and Operating Engineers Local 406 in Robert. They also will receive hands-on experience in blueprint reading, carpentry, plumbing, drywall, concrete forming and equipment operation, Rodé said.       May 28 is the application deadline. To obtain an application, contact Rode at 985-5492092 or e-mail him at erode@selu.edu. Please put “CCE 2003" in the e-mail subject line. Return to News Releases