For Half A Century, Wright Tech Has Been Making Futures Bright
Buffalo, Minn. -- High school is definitely a part of life. But there is one school in Buffalo that changes lives dramatically.
Looking at his technique, you'd think he was a prolific professional. But Lexi Carnes is a bright-eyed teenager.
"Oh, I love it. It's my favorite thing. I see it every day," said Carnes, a welding student at Wright Technical Center.
This is the love found at Right Tech in Buffalo. It goes to Lake Howard, but is a half-day program served by Wright's eight day schools.
© CBS Minnesota Powered by C B S N e w sThe engineering school is unique in that it offers education from middle school children to adults.
"You talk about a skilled workforce, skilled workforce to build homes, build buildings, manage, build communities. That's what we do here," said Director Shawn Carson.
The school was opened in 1972. They offer cosmetology where students learn about hair care, nails and eyelash extensions. They have EMT training and first responder training, auto mechanics classes and the most in-demand program: welding.
Carnes said she wanted to go into merchandising because "there weren't that many women." But it is coming. He won a welding competition because he had to research at Right Tech.
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"I was actually thinking about going to vet school, but with so much going on, I felt like I could still make the same amount of money but not get the same education," Carnes said.
Executives say new welders can start at $60,000 a year, and some can reach six figures within a few years.
“I'm excited to see where this goes, and I'm excited about all the opportunities I have after high school,” Karnes said.
Across the hall, Big Lake senior Cassidy Larsen also stepped up. Not so long ago, it was quite the opposite.
“Before I came here, I never thought I would go to college,” she said. "And when I came here, it was set up as a college. 'Oh, college would be great.'" And then I was offered a graphic design scholarship here. Now I'm going to Hennepin Technical College for graphic design."
He said it had "tremendously" changed the future of writing technology.
"I don't know, it brought out the best in me," she said. "I really like this school."
His current project is to design a t-shirt for the 50th birthday of a beloved school
The entire community is invited on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. To celebrate half a century of life and a bright future. Everyone is invited to visit the school and enjoy a free dinner.
