Dr. Kirk Cantor Speaks with Science-Minded Students About Plastics

         

Dr. Kirk Cantor, Loyalsock resident and professor with the Pennsylvania College of Technology's Plastics and Polymers program, spoke with about 55 LTHS students last week about the plastics industry, careers in plastics and polymer science, and course offerings available through Loyalsock and PCT in which students can earn up to 5 college credits through the program.  Mr. Todd Conner, LTHS chemistry teacher, has been working with Dr. Cantor through various collaborative experiences so as to expose more traditionally-minded science students to this fantastic opportunity and blossoming career field.  As it stands Loyalsock has a higher than average number of students go on to post-secondary institutions and major in some form of science, ffollowing fairly traditional paths in their education by attaining such degrees as Biology.  Various reports and studies, including those reported each year by Penn State University, indicate that over half of all entering freshmen to four-year institutions end up withdrawing by the conclusion of their freshmen college year.  For Loyalsock students, we learn that these students often move home to Loyalsock, and many seek to continue their educations at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.  Thus, these statistics have encouraged more conversation with students about choosing their career paths and educational experiences wisely before setting forth with what may have once been a fairly traditional post-secondary experience.  In order to gain more exposure for students, Loyalsock will be offering a dual enrollment experience for students in which LTHS students may choose to take PPT 115 (Introduction to Plastics Industry) and PPT 118 (Polymer Processing) at Loyalsock and taught certified chemistry and technology education Loyalsock teachers.  These courses are considered college level courses, worthy of college credit and are weighted the highest level of courses that can be taken at Loyalsock.  We encourage students to consider such coursework as stepping stones to what may become a very successful career as they enter their post-secondary world.  Overall the presentation last week was a very positive one as indicated by the multiple students who remained after the presentation to discuss with Dr. Cantor more about the opportunity.  Special thanks to Mr. Conner and Dr. Cantor for assisting with this process and making it possible for this opportunity for our kids!