Hinsdale Central High School students got a firsthand look at welding labs, salon stations and law enforcement training during an Oct. 22 visit to the Technology Center of DuPage in Addison.

The field trip let students preview three of the center's 17 career and technical education programs, according to the Devils' Advocate, Hinsdale Central's student newspaper. The Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) offers hands-on programs to high school juniors and seniors across DuPage County as part of their regular school schedule.

"I wanted to see the behind the scenes of a lot of different careers," sophomore Maura McFarland told the Devils' Advocate.

McFarland said the hands-on format drew her in. She also said TCD gives students a chance to work alongside peers from other schools and learn new topics outside their usual setting.

Michael Litton, a Hinsdale Central school counselor who serves as the main facilitator for students taking TCD courses, said the programs help students test career interests before committing. Some discover a trade is exactly what they want. Others rule it out early.

"Sometimes students pick a program for 11th and 12th grade and walk away saying 'it's not for me, but I'm glad I did this,'" Litton told the Devils' Advocate.

Litton also said TCD classes expose students to peers from different backgrounds, including classmates whose families run businesses in HVAC or welding.

Special education teacher Michelle Kierny, who chaperoned the visit, told the Devils' Advocate that the programs let students explore fields like welding, cooking and cosmetology while building transferable skills. She said developing a practical talent can offer a productive balance to everyday academic pressure.

TCD, which traces its origins to 1974 as the DuPage Area Occupational Education System, operates a quarter-million-square-foot campus with 11 career pathway clusters. Students run on-campus businesses including a restaurant, an automotive repair shop, a full-service salon and a preschool, according to the TCD website. Off-campus options include job shadowing and paid internships.

District 86 is one of TCD's partner districts. Tuition and bus transportation are covered through a mix of local, state and federal funding. Students can earn dual college credit at no additional tuition cost through College of DuPage, Kishwaukee Community College or Joliet Junior College, depending on the program.

The visit comes as District 86 considers a proposed 2027-28 course catalog. At an Oct. 27 board meeting, assistant superintendent of academics Josh McMahon said the document expanded by 34 pages with the addition of a career planning section, The Hinsdalean reported. McMahon said the district is exploring career pathway endorsements, including nursing and EMT certificates, and working to get more District 86 teachers endorsed in dual credit through College of DuPage.

Hinsdale Education Week Ahead

  • Tuesday, Nov. 17 — District 86 Board meeting. The board is expected to vote on the 2027-28 program of studies after a second reading, The Hinsdalean reported. The board is also expected to consider parameter resolutions to authorize a bond sale covering $46 million in working cash bonds, $36 million in life safety bonds and $21 million in operational funds for capital improvements, according to The Hinsdalean. Check the district website for time, location and public comment details.