At a Glance
The addition of a 5K run to its already successful annual Community Day resulted in greater attendance, sponsorship, and scholarship donations at Chester County Technical College High School Pennocks Bridge campus.
Overview
The annual Saturday Community Day offers residents a close get to know the Chester County Technical High School where attendees are encouraged to learn about every program with a raffle ticket that tracks attendance at different events. Attendance is free and open to the public.
Each of the schools technical programs offers a presentation during Community Day; examples include the following:
- Computer Information Technology demonstrates video gaming
- Auto Service displays classic cars
- Animal Science illustrates micro chipping of pets and pet nail care
- Health Sciences offers BMI, blood pressure, and pulse checks
- Engine Technology features monster trucks and motorcycles
- Cosmetology offers haircuts, manicures, and pedicures
- Carpentry holds a hammer and nail challenge and displays birdhouses
- Early Childhood provides face painting to children
- Criminal Justice emphasizes fingerprinting and traffic control
- Electronics Robotics makes a snap circuit pin for children
- Culinary provides food and refreshments
Community partners also participate by offering services, demonstrations, and information stations including the Armed Services and Young Marines. In addition to the 5K Tech Run, the April 2017 Community Day event included a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Dog Walk. Advance registration for the 5K Tech Run was $20 ($25 without registration) and $10 for the two one-mile run/walks. Registration includes a t-shirt.
An official running course is laid out, and support systems are provided including registration, nurses station, security, transportation, food service, and water stations.
Sponsor donations from the business community range from $250 to over $1,000. Sponsors names and logos are promoted on the schools website, t-shirts, and banners.
Origin / Implementation
Community Day was started in 2009 in order to communicate the value of career and technical education, specifically the benefits of Chester County Technical College High School, to the community. While Community Day initially drew between 100 and 200 community members not directly associated with the school, the addition of a 5K run in 2015 appeals to an even broader demographic.
Results / Impact
Attendance at Community Day has increased from about 500 to 1,000. The addition of the 5K run in 2015 brought generated $13,000 in scholarship funds, exceeding the $3000 goal that year.
Contact
Chester County Technical College High School, Pennocks Bridge
Dr. Brian Hughes, Principal
brianh@cciu.org