Techmester introduces in-demand careers to high schoolers
June 26, 2025
VINCENNES, Ind. - Robots rolled, machines carved out custom wrenches, and rescue boats became hands-on classrooms during Vincennes University’s Techmester.
The three-day summer experience for Early College high school students was held June 10-12. From mastering sterile procedures in surgical technology to learning about forensics by developing fingerprints, students had the opportunity to explore high-demand careers with the help of VU professors and VU students.
Dean of CTE Early College Stefany Deckard said, “Techmester plants seeds of inspiration. When students experience what they’re capable of, it changes how they think about their futures.”
By connecting students to careers in Cybersecurity, Robotics, Law Enforcement, Health Sciences, and Precision Machining, Techmester is a bold investment in Indiana’s talent pipeline. The students dove into real-world learning through various specialized workshops where they had opportunities to build and code robots, don life vests and helmets while hurling water rescue throw bags at a target, and make name tags and other items using state-of-the-art machining equipment.
These immersive experiences aren’t simply activities. They are career-shaping moments.
Students like Luke Appleby, who attends New Palestine High School, took with them a better understanding of what interests and excites them.
“I liked fingerprinting,” Appleby said. “We took something and put a fingerprint on it, and then we dusted it and could see our own fingerprint. I thought it was cool because that’s actually what people do at crime scenes. This really shows if you are interested in that field or not. You’re not just guessing.”
Students also tasted Trailblazer life, eating in the dining halls, living in residence halls, enjoying VU’s Bowling Center, and doing other fun activities, helping them to build connections and feel at home in a college setting.
By introducing students to academic programs and vibrant campus life, VU lays the groundwork for student success before they finish high school.
To learn more about VU Early College and Techmester, visit vinu.edu/early-college.