New Initiatives, Record Enrollment Mark AIT’s Opening to School Year
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
As Tiffany Estes begins her third full academic year as executive director of the Anderson Institute of Technology the school will welcome its largest-ever enrollment and with a renewed emphasis on preparing students for both college and career pathways.
With more than 1,200 students expected to pass through its doors over the course of the year, the institute, which serves Anderson School Districts 3, 4, and 5, is focused on its mission to "ensure students become college and or career ready and become participants in this global society." The student body is drawn from Crescent, Pendleton, Westside, and T. L. Hanna High Schools, as well as the Anderson 5 Charter School.
Estes said the highlight of her time leading AIT is the students' passion for the 19 distinct programs offered, many of which are hands-on programs. She noted that the excitement is particularly palpable among students who excel in artistic or vocational subjects, offering them a space to thrive alongside peers with similar interests.
AIT also reported a significant success in its first year with a new transition program for special-needs students. This initiative supported 27 students, 23 of whom successfully earned a "career-ready indicator" after completing a 40-hour internship through the school's Work-Based Learning program. Four of these students have since enrolled in the institute's technical programs.
Enrollment in health sciences programs continues to grow, aligning with a local comprehensive needs assessment for the medical field. The welding, automotive, and electricity programs also remain highly popular. The mechatronics program, which had only four students a few years ago, is now at full capacity, reflecting a growing demand in the local manufacturing industry. The institute is also launching a new pilot program with Siemens Manufacturing Engineering in the spring, which will integrate aspects of mechatronics, engineering, electricity, and welding.
Partnerships with local industry remain central to AIT’s curriculum. These collaborations provide not only financial support but also mentorship and feedback that help shape the curriculum to meet the needs of the local workforce. AIT is also expanding its community outreach, with programs like the cosmetology department offering services to the public.
Cooperative efforts and a stronger partnership with Tri-County Technical College continue to grow, and the collaboration is seen as a way to ensure students are seamlessly transitioned from foundational high school programs to more advanced secondary education.
For parents, students, industry or others in the community interested in the work at AIT, a communitywide open house is scheduled for Sept. 23, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
