EPIC STUDENT EVENT
SAVE the DATE!
Friday, Oct. 27, 2023
Bigger. Better. Broader.
St. Cloud Technical & Community College, 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, Minnesota
5,000 area high schoolers attend this annual, hands-on career exploration event composed of interactive experiences simulating career activities students may pursue through educational paths.
Business & Administration
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Engineering & Manufacturing
Arts, Communications & IT
Health Science Technology
Human Services
Marketing, Sales & Service
Activities
Retail Display Builder: Grab a mystery bucket and develop a marketing campaign using the items in the bucket.
Go before a panel of experienced marketing professionals and present the marketing campaign that you designed.
Careers Represented
- Sales
- Graphic Design
- Merchandising
- Product Management
- Inventory Management
- Marketing
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Business, Management, Administration & Finance
Activities
B.A.M.F Island Party (Business, Administration, Management, Finance): Visit a B.A.M.F. island and learn about the careers offered on each. Play Career Pong, Bean Bags, Ladder Ball and Flickin’ Chicken to earn a sticker towards an EPIC prize. Then swing by the Tik-Tok Snap Station as you sail away to your next destination and get entered into a drawing to win gift cards and swag.
Careers Represented
- Operations
- Management
- Administration Management
- Human Resources
- Recruitment
- Accounting
- Payroll
- Training & Development
- Banking Services
- Finance
- Securities & Investment
- Real Estate
- Customer Service
- Insurance
- Administrative Support
Hospitality & Tourism
Activities
Do you have what it takes to become a Hospitality Price Is Right winner? Test your knowledge of common grocery, event and travel items; test your grocery bagging skills along with company logo recognition
Become the next Top Chef. Learn the unique art of Garde Mange.
Excellent service customers will not forget: Expertly handle the crabbiest of customers. Play our interactive card game to learn how to improve your service skills.
Careers Represented
- Hotel Housekeeping
- Hotel Management
- Restaurant Management
- Food Service
- Retail Sales
- Retail Service
- Event Planning
- Professional Cooking
- Culinary Arts
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Activities
Take a selfie with Sammy the Soil mascot and complete challenges using the virtual sandbox and rainfall simulator. Perform water tests to locate bacteria and learn about water filtration.
Curious about nuclear science? Experiment with our nuclear reactor that is candy operated and perfectly safe of course!
Learn about the world of geological science while you attempt to match rocks and minerals.
Careers Represented
- Biology
- Environmental Engineering
- Forestry and Conservation
- Soil & Plant Science
- Food Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Natural Science Management
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation
- Geology
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Activities
Make transportation your first stop!
Want to know how they make a car look brand new after a crash? Learn about the world of collision repair. Participate in the tail lamp contest. You can also try your hand at airbrushing a T-shirt.
The heavy truck/diesel and automotive areas allow you to use the driving simulator and get behind the wheel of various vehicles.
Driverless technology is here! Try your hand at operating a full-sized skid loader right from the comfort of your cell phone. Build a road to “specs” using a remote-controlled dump truck and bulldozer to spread and shape sand according to plan.
Explore brand new semi trucks and learn how diagnostics are done on heavy-duty engines. Chat with current technicians and drivers who can share their experiences in the field.
And what about the driving side of the industry? See
a variety of vehicles on display while you participate in the technician challenge. Meet a local Sprint car driver and tour a Sprint car. See the Subaru Rally car and driver.
Careers Represented
- Truck Driving
- Diesel Technology
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Auto Body
- Automotive
- Truck Mechanics
- Service Management
- Truck Sales
- Parts Sales
- Heavy Equipment
- Shop Ownership
- Estimation
Participating Business & Academic Partners
- Knife River
- Brenny Transportation Inc.
- St. Cloud Subaru
- SCTCC Medium/Heavy Truck Program
- Schwieters Chevrolet
- Northland HD Collision
- ATS – Anderson Trucking Service
- SCTCC Auto Body Collision Program
- PPG
- Gilleland Chevrolet-Cadillac
- Farm-Rite Equipment
- Nuss Truck & Equipment
- Arctic Cold Storage
- St. Cloud Industrial Products
- SCTCC Automotive Technician Program
- Transportation Center of Excellence
- St. Cloud Collision Center
- Abra Auto Body
- Luther Automotive
- GATR Truck Center
- Momentum Truck Group
Manufacturing & STEM
Activities
Get an introduction to the world of machining. Use precision measuring equipment for assembly and inspection activities.
Use solid modeling software to design anything you can dream up and print it out on the 3D printer by means of additive manufacturing.
Watch a machining center produce a game to take home.
Experience welding through virtual reality.
Ring the doorbell for an electrifying fright in the SCTCC electrical haunted lab.
Careers Represented
- Mechanical Drafting
- Mechanical Design
- Machinery
- Engineering
- Inspection
- Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) Operation
- Assembly
Participating Business & Academic Partners
- SCTCC Welding/Fabrication Program
- Park Industries
- Rotochopper
- SCTCC Energy & Electronics Programs
- Coldspring
- SCTCC Computer Aided Mechanical Design Program
- DeZurik
- Tru-Stone Starrett
- CWMF
- DCI
- Grede
- C4 Welding
- IPM
- Louis Industries
- Central McGowan
- SCSU Environmental & Technological Studies
- Essilor
- Northern Metal Products
- Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)
- SCTCC Electrical Construction and Land Surveying/Civil Engineering
Architecture & Construction
Activities
Construction Safety Trailer: (outdoor activity) Learn about safety protection equipment and how to work safely on a commercial construction job site. Try on a safety harness and see how it may prevent serious fall injuries.
Rooftop Reality: See what it’s like to be on top of a roof. Have a virtual reality experience that places you on a roof edge several hundred feet in the air.
Use balloons and liquid nitrogen to discover the action of a refrigerant.
Install concrete screed flooring using GPS technology.
Try your hand at tying metal at the Rebar Tying Station.
Create a concrete DIY project.
How do plumbers make the fittings they need work, even on a big pipe? By using pex expansion, of course! Try your hand at this special plumbing skill.
Try your hand at being a line worker and try exchanging a cutout on a mock power pole, replace an elbow on a pad mount transformer, and try on full line worker gear. See if you can complete different skill checks as you do a tour of a line truck.
Careers Represented
- Masonry
- Concrete Production
- Structural Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Commercial Roofing
- Plumbing
- Refrigeration
- HVAC/R
- Woodwork Manufacturing
- Construction Framing
- Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Architecture
- Flooring
- Construction Project Management
- Construction Sales
- Electric
- Carpentry
- General Labor
- Construction Safety
- Steel
- Project Estimation
- Drafting
- Fire Suppression
Participating Business & Academic Partners
- American Door Works
- W. Gohman Construction
- Wells Concrete
- Blattner Energy, Inc.
- Horizon Roofing, Inc.
- J-Berd Mechanical
- Stearns Electric
- Quanex Custom Components (formerly Woodcraft Industries)
- Bayer Built Woodworks, Inc.
- St. Cloud Refrigeration
- McDowall Company
- MCI Carpet One
- The Design Team – Simonson Lumber
- SCTCC Carpentry Program
- SCTCC Electrical Program
- K Johnson Construction
- Hansen & Company Woodworks
- Rice Companies
Arts, Audio/Video Technology & Communication
Activities
Three-Minute Challenge: Learn to write and record a 30-second ad for a radio station or how to put together a three-minute newscast.
Experience the magic of live theatre! Explore industry standard theatrical design. Build unique costumes, play with real stage lights and create custom sound effects.
Careers Represented
- Art Instruction
- Art Curation
- Art History
- Audio Visual Engineering
- Costume Design
- Lighting Design
- Sound Design
- Prop Management
- Theatrical Scene Design/Building
- Cinematography
- Acting
- Directing
- Stage Management
- Radio Broadcasting
- Journalism
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Information Technology
Activities
Augmented Reality in Business: See how companies are embracing AR/VR technology by viewing a demonstration of the Microsoft HoloLens. You will be able to see how virtual objects are placed into the
real-world environment and about the benefits of the technology for organizations and the jobs needed to create these solutions.
Data Flow & Analytics: See how data is used as a business asset. You will have the opportunity to see how data collected can be analyzed and displayed in real-time. Learn about data flow and low-code software applications.
IT Jobs – Beyond the Hardware & Software: Learn how Information Technology goes beyond working with computers or developing software. Speak to IT professionals to learn about jobs and see how projects are organized and managed.
Explore the world of GIS (Geographic Information Mapping) at our augmented reality sand table. Use your hands to make a landscape come to life. Create an elevation color map complete with topographic contour lines and simulated water features.
Learn about data communication and encryption. Experience how simple items like encryption is used in everyday life through texts, emails and the web.
Learning about computer hacking and cyber security. Participate in a hacking activity, experience the effects of hacking, and learn how to prevent it.
Have you ever wondered about the connection between computer coding and your favorite gaming experience? Learn how to live code and practice on-the-fly programming to see how small changes impact gaming.
Activity Links:
Careers Represented
- Business Intelligence Analysis
- Business Intelligence Development
- Data Architecture
- Interface Analysis
- Computer Support Technology
- Systems Training
- Systems Administration
- Project Management
- Software Engineering
- Geospatial Data
- Cyber Security
- Project Management
- Software Development
- Technical Support Analysis
- Networks
- Computer Science
- Computer Technical Support Services
- Data Science
- Database Development
- Instruction Technology
- Website Administration
- Website Development
- Security Systems Development
- Systems Analysis
- Website Design
- Website Administration
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Health Science
Activities
Work alongside professional respiratory therapists to learn how to do CPR and how to perform intubations with scopes and fiber optic cameras.
Have you dreamed about being a nurse or doctor in a birthing center? Now’s your chance! The birth simulation will let you step into a live birth; see all that’s involved in a real hospital birth.
Test your knowledge of medical terminology with a flash card game.
Enter the world of microbiology. Use laboratory equipment to learn how to separate specific “bacteria” from a sample containing a mixture of microorganisms. Use microscopes to observe samples of environmental isolates.
Take a virtual reality tour of a surgical suite while a surgery is in session. Get hands-on with the tools and implants used in knee and hip replacement surgeries and play “Operation” using a real laparoscopic belly and scope. Will you buzz out or operate error free?
Get your CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) on in our dental forensics station.
Discover how older adults may feel in a long-term care facility by completing five life tasks with challenges to physical and visual obstacles in place.
What’s in Your Genes? Visit the genetics room to learn more about genetics and genetic professions including genetic counseling and medical geneticist. Find out how likely it may be for you to experience a particular disease or condition by playing What’s Your Risk?
Make your own DNA helix/trait bracelet.
Isolate DNA from fruit.
Solve the genetics mystery of Who Gets the Money? Explore, observe and discuss cases with the care team to understand the role genetics plays in medical conditions.
Use lab microscopes and images to get an up-close look at A Piece of the Puzzle.
Careers Represented
- Biology/Microbiology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Phlebotomy
- Laboratory Assistance, Microbiology
- Biomedical Technology
- Nursing
- Medicine – Physician
- Medicine – Physician’s Assistants
- Physical Therapy
- Nursing Assistance
- Forensic Dentistry
- Surgery
- Surgical Technology
- Social Work
- Environmental Service
- Nutrition & Dietary Sciences
- Clinical Genetics
- Genetic Counseling
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Human Services
Activities
Ready, Aim, Hit the Target! Try your luck at the archery target.
Explore the world of STEM with building kits.
Match your knowledge and expertise to a series of mental challenges that help you explore the human services career field.
Do you wonder what it would be like to navigate the world without full visual, physical or hearing capabilities? Navigate our In Their Shoes simulation course while using vision distortion goggles, earplugs, a wheelchair and a walker.
Simulate caring for an infant with our Reality Works Babies.
Create colorful sand art that represents the important people in your life.
Careers Represented
- Therapy
- Behavior Analysis
- Mental Health Care
- Behavior Intervention
- Clinical Trainee
- Youth Development
- Human Services Program Management
- Direct Care
- Nutrition Sciences
- Parent Education & Coaching
- Certified Nursing
- Personal Care
- Social Work
- Nursing Home Administration
- Geriatrics
- Gerontology
- Cosmetology
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Education & Training
Activities
Ready! Set! Learn!
Do you wonder what it would be like to help others learn a new skill or give them information about a subject area? Educators are caring and compassionate individuals who make a huge difference in students’ lives.
Learn what it feels like to lead others on a learning journey. Find out what being a teacher feels like and learn what educators and trainers do each day.
Careers Represented
- Teaching
- Classroom Assistance
- Educational Support
- Parent Coaching
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Learning
- School Psychology
- School Social Work
- School Guidance Counseling
- School Library Science
- School Administration
- Activities & Extra Curricular Coaching
- Technology Integration
- Special Education
- Community Education
- Adult Basic Education
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Government & Public Administration
Activities
Choose Your Own Adventure: Walk through government and public administration’s real-life scenarios where YOU make the decision about what to do next. Learn how your decisions impact outcomes. This activity is accessible through your own phone but you may also use a tablet that we provide.
Careers Represented
- City Manager/Administrator
- City Council Member
- Elected Official
- Community Development Director
- Economic Development Director
- City Clerk
- Finance Director
Participating Business & Academic Partners
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Activities
Check out an Army Humvee and other military equipment. Test your strength with the U.S. Marine Corp pull up challenge.
Get “booked” into jail while learning about the correctional officer role in the criminal justice system. Just make sure you bring a friend to bail you out.
Watch K9 demonstrations and hang out with Bloodhound K9 “Storm” and Narcotics K9 “Eddie”. See a mobile dispatch center and police squad car communication in action.
Do some crime busting by practicing evidence collection in our mock crime scene, identify counterfeit money and IDs and interact with a real SWAT team, their drones and their equipment.
See a mobile dispatch center and police squad car communication in action. Communicate with dispatch via squad radio.
Interact with the rollover simulator used by the state highway patrol.
Do you have what it takes to be a firefighter? Try on real firefighting equipment and test your skills.
Careers Represented
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Armed Forces: Army Careers in Medical, Combat Arms, Cyber Security, Aviation
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Corrections: Corrections Officer, Bailiff, Transport Officer, Special Operations Response Team, Jail Sergeant
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First Response: 911 Dispatch Operator
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Law Enforcement: Patrol Deputy, K9 Handler, Police Officer, State Trooper, Investigator, Special Operations, SWAT Team
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Fire Fighting: Fire Marshal, Fire Captain, Firefighter
Participating Business & Academic Partners
- United States Army Active/Reserve
- Stearns County Sheriff’s Office –Jail Division
- Stearns County Sheriff’s Office- Patrol/Dispatch
- Benton County Sheriff’s Office
- St. Cloud Fire Department
- United States Marine Corp
- St. Cloud Police Department
- Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service
- Waite Park Police Department
- SCSU Criminal Justice Program
- SCSU Public Safety and Security
- Minnesota Department of Corrections
- Minnesota State Patrol
- Alexandria Technical and Community College Law Enforcement Program
- St. Cloud Rotary – The Community OutPost (COP House)
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