Bloomington Area Career Center (BACC) with Director Tom Frazier
One vital tool in the Bloomington-Normal workforce readiness tool belt is the Bloomington Area Career Center. Led by Director Tom Frazier, the BACC prepares today’s high school students for tomorrow’s jobs. Students can earn certification in high-demand fields such as welding, cybersecurity, cosmetology, and geometry/construction while still attending high school.
Patrick Hoban, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, sat down to talk with Frasier recently about the BACC, the students it serves, the opportunities it offers, and how it fits into the development of the Bloomington-Normal workforce and its economy.
Said Frasier, “The BACC… helps kids to be productive citizens in our community ... introducing them to potential careers, helping lead them to potential employers, helping build partnerships with them.”
The Career Center has been educating area high school students for more than 40 years and is available to students from 16 high schools throughout McLean and Dewitt counties. The main office of the BACC is on the campus of Bloomington High School. Programs are offered at BHS as well as several satellite locations. There are currently 16 available programs of study, which include Automotive Technology, Barbering, Cosmetology, Computer Technology and Networking, Construction Trades, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement, Culinary Arts, EMT Basic, Fire Science, Geometry in Construction, Graphic Design and Video Production, Health Careers and Medical Terminology, Laborer Training, Nurse Assistant and Advanced CNA, Robotics and Engineering, and Welding. All programs offered at the BACC include business and industry partners who share their experience and expertise with students.
In 2018-2019, 616 students participated in programs at the BACC. From this group, 518 industry-recognized certifications were awarded and 322 students earned a total of 1,842 hours of dual college credit, which is valued at $303,710.
According to Frazier, the BACC helps high school students explore possible careers, learn about different pathways available after high school graduation, and oftentimes leave the program with something of value - either an industry certification or college credit.
For more information about the Bloomington Area Career Center or to contact Director Tom Frazier, please visit their website. You can listen to Episode #20 of Building BN in its entirety here.
