Tech Prep at Collin College

Elliott LaJoie - Student Spotlight

2011-05-18T14:29:00.016-05:00

“Tech Prep classes have exposed me to areas of study in which I am interested and have provided a great technical experience.”
-Elliott LaJoie

Congratulations to Elliott LaJoie for placing 18th in the National BPA Cisco Systems Administration Competition.

Elliott LaJoie is a Tech Prep senior at Wakeland High School in Frisco ISD. He has completed numerous Tech Prep courses including Introduction to CADD and CCNA Exploration 1, 2, 3, & 4. Elliott believes these Tech Prep classes were both valuable and enjoyable.

Following high school graduation, Elliott plans to complete his basic college coursework at Collin College and pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering. To assist with college expenses, he hopes to find an IT job where he can utilize his Tech Prep training and IT skills.

The Global EDGE is proud of Elliott's national achievement and wishes him much success in college.

Successful Spring for Global EDGE

2011-04-29T10:47:00.048-05:00

It’s been an exciting spring semester for the Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium.

The Collin College community was invited to participate in Career Bytes workshops which explored degrees and careers in Emerging Technologies and Health Sciences. The events featured popular programs at Collin College, such as Convergence Technology, Networking & Cybersecurity, Surgical Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Health Information Technology, and EMS. Attendees enjoyed a free lunch while networking with a panel of experts, college professors, and student interns. The successful workshops concluded with door prizes and tours of our high-tech IT facilities and Health Science laboratories.

Travis Kern - Success Story

2010-10-18T09:33:00.009-05:00

"Tech Prep gave me that real world work experience early. I learned you only get one chance to make a first impression."

-Travis Kern

For Travis Kern, the marketing skills he acquired in Tech Prep classes at Allen High School paved the pathway for his success. After graduating in 2005, he was debating which direction to take for his future. He realized he had "6 free Tech Prep credits in his back pocket" on his Global EDGE ID Card. So, he chose to attend Collin College and use those 6 credits. He completed his AS degree from Collin in two years while receiving full tuition reimbursement from his job at Perry Ellis. Travis continued his academic journey with a Presidential Transfer Scholarship to Texas Tech where he graduated debt free with a Bachelors of Business Administration in 2009, while maintaining a job in high-end retail. He is currently a Sales Manager Trainee at JCPenney, which is recognized as one of the best programs in the industry.

Career Bytes: Office Systems Technology

2010-10-14T14:34:00.009-05:00

The Global EDGE Tech Prep consortium has kicked off its 2010-2011 series of Career Bytes workshops, designed to showcase the amazing programs available to students at Collin College over a FREE lunch! The first major showcased was our Office Systems Technology program, and it was a success!

We had many attendees from Plano ISD as well as Collin students and the general public. There was a drawing after the event for a variety of prizes, and several former students, as well as current instructors were present to give an overview of the program and inform students of the convenient "flex" entry scheduling available in Office Systems Technology. More information on "flex" entry can be found at this link Daily Flex Entry.

Our next Career Bytes workshop on November 5th will cover the award-winning nursing program, and will feature FREE pizza and a tour of the facilities. Please call 972.548.6723 to register, or e-mail globaledge@collin.edu!

Nurse Camp 2010 - Post 2

2010-06-28T12:21:00.017-05:00

Nurse Camp 2010 came to a close on June 9th. The final day included Bedpan races, Code Blue, a college tour, and the highlight was a visit from CareFlite. A helicopter landed on the front lawn of the Central Park Campus! Students were up close and personal with the helicopter and its crew. They took a look inside, asked questions and touched the equipment. The crew was incredibly professional and shared information about working on CareFlite and what type of career path leads to emergency nursing. The student's enthusiasm was visible. Neethu Benny exclaimed, “The CareFlite helicopter was fun! I got to see it up close.”

Students enjoyed the experiential approach to Nurse Camp. They were engaged in the learning and responded to the “real” nursing environment. Here are some of the highlights.
The station I liked best at Nurse Camp 2010 was…
“the one where you learned how to help people out of the hospital beds.”
“I liked the birthing simulation and the baby care, because I learned a lot.”
“probably the wheel chair and drunk glasses station. It was interesting to see what it’s like to be drunk without actually being drunk.”
“Out of all the stations, I liked the glow germs the best, because you can see how nasty your hands really get.”
“I liked cleaning wounds.”
“The CPR & blood pressure station.”
“The station I liked the best was when we could be the patient or the nurse.”

For many, the Nurse Camp experience at Collin College has prompted thoughts about their future. David Larson shared, “This gave me insight into the medical field. I’m just really interested in the medical profession. Just how nurses and doctors work together, and how they get the patient in and out." Neethu Benny is making some serious plans for her career in the medical field, “I want to become an oncologist. I’m going back and forth on different areas right now, so the camp actually helped me pick an area. So, it’s either oncology or pediatrics.”

Make sure you stay in the know for next year's nurse camp. Contact globaledge@collin.edu for more information.

Nurse Camp 2010 - Post 1

2010-06-23T13:35:00.031-05:00

On June 7th, fifty-five 8th, 9th & 10th graders arrived at Collin College, Central Park Campus, to begin their hands-on adventure in Nursing. By 11 AM, participants were elbow deep in “chocolate pudding” germs, watching a birthing simulation or practicing blood pressure readings. Students took turns being the patient as others gathered around the hospital bed and administered care.

With Collin's stellar nursing program and excellent staff, each student could get a feel for what it is like to work in a hospital environment. For David Larson, a home school student, it was a great learning experience. "I thought it was really educational. I just enjoyed how everyone performed. They showed us nursing simulations in different situations. For example, we tended to patients. We did physical exams and CPR - how nurses do CPR on a person."

Collin College's nursing and simulations labs are housed in the James & Pat Aston Center for Health Studies on the third floor. Students enjoyed activities that utilized the 26 hospital beds and 20 mannequins that play an integral role in the nursing and surgical technical programs here on campus. For one participant, the nursing techniques were a highlight. "I liked learning how to take blood pressure. It was really fun, because we worked on the mannequins." For more information on nursing or surgical technology at Collin College, go to http://www.collin.edu/nursing/ or http://www.collin.edu/surgtech/.

Featuring Electronic Engineering Technology

2010-02-22T10:40:00.005-06:00

Are you fascinated by electronics? Do you like taking things apart and putting things back together? Do people count on you to fix things for them? You may enjoy a career in electronic engineering technology. Collin College offers an Associates of Applied Science Degree in this dynamic field.

As an electronic engineering technician, you will play a key role in the development, design and testing of electrical equipment. Some technicians work directly with engineers and assist them in research while others work in quality control. Technicians work in all fields of engineering including: civil, industrial, mechanical, environmental, & aeorspace.

According to the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook, "median annual wages of wage and salary electrical and electronic engineering technicians were $53,240 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,550 and $64,120. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,560."

For more information on the AAS Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology at Collin College, use the following link:

http://www.collin.edu/academics/programs/electronicengineering.html

For more statistics on the elecronic engineering field, use the link below:

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos112.htm

Word of the Week: touchstone

Quote of the Week: “Dreams are the touchstones of our character.” (Henry David Thoreau)

2010-01-25T10:16:00.005-06:00

Global EDGE Presents:

CAREER BYTES!

Exploring Degrees & Careers in

CHILD DEVELOPMENT

When: February 12, 2010
11:30—Noon, Optional Tour
Noon—1:30, Program & Lunch

Where: Collin College, Spring Creek Campus
Conference Center, Section AB

What: Enjoy a Free Lunch as you hear from

our Panel of Experts:
• Collin College Graduate • Teacher
• Regional Recruiter • Preschool Owner

Don’t miss this opportunity to speak directly to area professionals & learn more about a fulfilling career in Child Development!

For more information call 972.548.6723

Presented by the Global EDGE

Tech Prep Consortium

2009-06-23T10:49:00.004-05:00

CAREER BYTES!
Global EDGE's 'Career Bytes' is a fun way to explore various majors & career options while enjoying FREE pizza and soda! Chat one-on-one with professionals from exciting, high-demand careers and learn how Collin College can help lead you down a successful career path!

SESSIONS:
· October 9, 2009 - Convergence Tech at SCC
· November 13, 2009 - Culinary Arts at PRC
· February 12, 2010 - Child Development at SCC
· March 5, 2010 - Criminal Justice at SCC
· April 9, 2010 - 3-D Animation at SCC

TIME:
12:00pm—1:30pm

CAMPUS LOCATIONS:
· PRC, Preston Ridge Campus:
9700 Wade Blvd, Frisco, TX

· SCC, Spring Creek Campus:
2900 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX

· CPC, Central Park Campus:
2200 W University Dr, McKinney, TX

QUESTIONS??? CONTACT THE GLOBAL EDGE AT: (972) 548-6723

COW Day 2009

2009-02-18T15:15:00.003-06:00

The Global Edge Tech Prep Consortium and Collin College will host its 3rd Annual

COW Day 2009:
Careers on Wheels

Collin County area businesses will be on the Campus of Collin College for 7th and 8th grade middle school students to explore careers associated various vehicles -- from ambulances to zambonis -- utilized in many areas of today’s workforce.

Past business participants have included:

•Best Buy Geek Squad
•Summit Helicopters
•US Postal Service
•Plano Fire Department
•Collin County Animal Services
•100.3 Jack FM
•Raytheon Network Systems
•And many others

This is a great chance to promote career opportunities in our local businesses to students in our surrounding areas.

Steer into this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the community and give back. Register today.

Contact us for more information

Introducing Mr. James Davis…A Notable Tech Prep Student

2009-02-17T13:16:00.003-06:00

After graduating from McKinney High School in summer of 2008, James became a Computer Networking Technology student here at Collin College. James was introduced to the concept of computer networking through a family acquaintance as he began his high school education. He attributes his interest in this area to his most influential high school teacher, Ms. Kathy Fant. She exposed him to the world of networking and the Global Edge Tech Prep program. He learned that there were courses available that could be taken at his high school that would provide him college credit upon graduation. This increased his interest in the program and in computer technology. On his own, James began to pursue the areas of web development, gaming, building machines, and system administration. James was able to apply his knowledge of the Internet and assisted with the development of the McKinney ISD Athletics web site. Through his time at McKinney High School he was able to successfully complete five Tech Prep courses making him eligible to obtain as many as 15 Collin College credits. After graduation, James’ family provided him with the opportunity to attend any college that he desired. However, his decision to attend Collin College was simple. Collin offered the financial advantages of available college credit through his Tech Prep classes and the supportive environment that he desired. His foresight of the financial state of his family and economy in general proved to be a wise decision today. James cites the advantage he gained with being exposed to the CCNA courses at high school and expressed his appreciation as to how those courses prepared him for his college education. He is now completing his first year at Collin with a 3.0 GPA in aim of completing the CCNA exam next year and transferring to University of Texas at Dallas or the University of North Texas. His Tech Prep credits have been added to his Collin transcript, which James says will help him to finish his college career early. He is currently searching for a position that will allow him to apply his experience and skills in technical or networking administration. We are sure he will be very successful in any undertaking he pursues.

Bridges.com Offers Tools to Help Students Succeed

2008-12-16T09:34:00.001-06:00

Have you ever wanted to be a circus performer or how about a park ranger? Information about all of these careers and more is available at www.bridges.com. There are over 20,000 job choices that students may not be aware of and bridges covers them all by using current research and student relevant data. The website is very user friendly and it allows users to complete fun quizzes to match your interests and skills with a career. You can also complete research on a career you are already interested in pursuing.

The up-to-date information allows you to research the current career paths and what kind of education and experience you will need to get these careers. Check with your high school counselor to see if your school has a Bridges account and get a password or you can sign up for a free trial account by following this link.

Global EDGE Recent Andy Masters Presentation

2008-11-04T15:39:00.002-06:00

A recent presentation and discussion by national author and speaker Andy Masters was hosted by the Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium and Collin College at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center. Masters provided encouraging words and advice to more than 100 students. His message centered on succeeding in your collegiate career and determining the personal and career qualities that will allow you to have “your best” future. Students participated in an engaging dialogue and complete an activity, “The Four Boxes”, to evaluate how to utilize their daily time to better pursue their future goals. Masters presented his personal life story of growing from an uneventful high school career to being ultimately driven to a fully engaged and directed collegiate life.

Additionally, Masters presented to Collin College faculty, staff and surrounding Collin County staff and teachers later that afternoon. Masters provided an inspirational talk on student success and retention. He encouraged the more than 30 attendees to 1. have and show passion for each student, 2. use humor in lectures and presentations, and 3. employ current events, technology and popular celebrities to connect with and engage students.

Both of the presentations were well received and the provided information was timely and appropriate. Attendees of both workshops were provided with a free autographed copy of his book “37 Keys to College Success”. More information about Andy Masters can be found at http://www.life-after-college.com/

For more information about the Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium, visit www.ccccd.edu/globalEDGE or contact by phone at (972) 548-6723.

Resources for College Success

2008-10-10T13:30:00.004-05:00

The Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium presents
37 Keys to College Success
October 20, 2008 9:00 – 10:00 am
at the
Spring Creek Campus Conference Center

This FREE event is open to all students. Author Andy Masters presents an inspirational and motivational talk on the 37 keys to College Success. He will use humor, pop culture references, technology, and spirited career examples from successful young people in this interactive discussion. To insure a seat, please call the Global EDGE at 972-548-6723 or e-mail acaffery@ccccd.edu by October 15, 2008.

Andy Masters is a national Author/Speaker who has written 4 books and earned 4 degrees. Andy’s books “37 Keys to College Success: Balancing Student Life and Academics,” and Life After College: What to Expect and How to Succeed in Your Career” include tremendous advice for students while also providing great resources for faculty and staff.

Masters says “there are so many important things that can help students get ahead, such as networking, time management, strategic career planning, etc... But probably the most important things I tell them are what to AVOID, because what they don’t know CAN hurt them. A recent Harvard University study found that for every firing due to failure to perform, there are two firings due to personality conflicts and communication issues. In my programs, I discuss office politics, professionalism, ethics, drugs and alcohol in the workplace, and even the dangers of dating in the office and sexual harassment. It’s imperative that young professionals understand what the rules of the game are, and abide by those rules, so they don’t ruin their career before it even begins.”

Andy will also present a motivational talk on engaging and inspiring students for high school teachers, counselors, college advisors and instructors. October 20, 2008 1:00 – 2:30 pm at the Spring Creek Campus Conference Center. RSVP by Oct. 15th.

Six-year Plans Released

2008-09-25T14:46:00.001-05:00

The Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium has just release six-year plans for the 2008-2009 school year. These course outlines detail what Tech Prep classes are offered at your high school and how they fit into the big picture of your education plan. They show what college level course the Tech Prep class will translate to at Collin College and what other classes you will need to take in order to complete your associate’s degree requirements. Check out the six-year plans for your school by going to the what’s offered at my school page and selecting the link to each program area.

Looking Towards Your Future-Preparing for the Real World

2008-08-26T11:23:00.005-05:00

Backpacks and textbooks, old friends and new, back-to-school is a great time to set new goals and look towards your future. High school is a crucial time of your life and the decisions you make now will carry over into your adult life. It’s a competitive world, but with the right training and education, you can become part of tomorrow’s technology-based economy. The Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium at Collin College can help point you in the right direction.

Many jobs today require training beyond high school. Business and industry in the North Texas region need employees with education in technical areas. Technical programs at Collin College can train students for a rewarding career with a good starting salary. For many students, two-year programs often offer something far more important than status: employment with only two years of college. Additionally, students who plan to receive an advanced degree can benefit from earning an associates degree first and gaining valuable work experience in their desired field. See the Global EDGE webpage to see which Tech Prep programs your school offers. Get started now on your road to the future.

Allen High School Tech Prep Student Receives Scholarship to Pursue Culinary Arts

2008-08-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

One recent Allen High School graduate will get a chance to pursuer her dream career as a Pastry Chef at Collin College.

Ashley Sears of Allen recently received a $5,000 scholarship from the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association to continue her education. She plans to begin classes this fall in the Collin College Culinary Arts program. Sears studied culinary arts in specialized Tech Prep classes while in high school and can now transfer those credits to Collin.

“The Tech Prep classes I took were great, they gave me a new passion for cooking and a great start for college,” said Sears. One of Sears’s most memorable times during the class was when teacher Dan Reinhard had the class make chicken piccata. “He taught us to make it with the recipe, and then the next day we had to make the same dish without a recipe,” she said, “It was a great lesson.”

Tech Prep courses give high school students marketable skills and a chance to explore career interests. Business and industry in the North Texas region need employees with education in technical areas and these courses are designed to begin that education. Tech Prep career pathways include: Biotechnology, Child Development, Computer-Aided Drafting & Design, Computer Information Systems, Computer Networking Technology (Cisco), Convergence Technology, Criminal Justice, E-business Media, Electronic Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology, Hospitality and Food Service Management, Information Systems Cybersecurity, Interior and Architectural Design, Marketing and Office Systems Technology.

College Tech Prep classes are funded with a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to the Global EDGE with funds provided by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998. Tech Prep does not discriminate based on sex, race, color, national origin or disability.

To learn more about what classes are available visit the Programs page at http://www.ccccd.edu/globaledge/ .

Collin College-Texas A&M-Commerce Partnership

2008-08-14T12:31:00.000-05:00

Collin College and Texas A&M University-Commerce have partnered to assist students in completing an Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) degree. According to Texas A&M University-Commerce, “The Arts & Sciences degree is a highly flexible degree that will enhance many career paths.”

Within the plan, Tech Prep students can transfer their eligible credits and go on to complete an associates at Collin, then transfer to A&M-Commerce. Up to 85 semester hours may be transferred, leaving only 36 semester hours from A&M-Commerce to receive a BAAS degree. Texas A&M University-Commerce provides instruction both on-campus and through distance education. For more information and to view specific degree guides see, http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/CBT/baas/degree/Colindegreeguide.asp

Middle School Students Hit the Road with the Global EDGE Careers on Wheels

2008-06-06T11:44:00.003-05:00

Stick shifts and safety belts. Steering wheels and four tires on the road. These are the forces that drive various kinds of careers in our community and around the globe. A recent event called Careers on Wheels or C.O.W. day hosted by the Global EDGE Tech Prep Consortium and Collin College allowed local middle school students a chance to see some of these vehicles up close and personal. This year’s C.O.W day was held at the Collin County Community College Spring Creek Creak campus on May 16.

The event included 17 business and community organizations visited by over 500 local middle school students. and included 17 business and community organizations visited by over 500 local middle school students. Some of the displays and interactive exhibits were presented by the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers, City of Plano, C-Cart, 100.3 Jack FM, Equine Express North Texas Inc., Plano Fire Department, Summit Helicopters, Collin College Police Department, Collin College B.I.E.T. , Plano Police Department, U.S. Postal Service, Collin County Animal Services, Best Buys Geek Squad Collin County Sheriffs Department and Lifetouch Sports and Special Events.

Students had a chance to see, touch and climb inside vehicles such as an extended fire and rescue truck, a modified Raytheon Hummer, a mail truck and much more. They also learned about what kind of post-high school education and/or training is required for carriers in these fields.

Tina Kelman, a teacher from Faubion Middle School in Mckinney said the event had “very useful information, my students were able to see things they had never seen before.”

Requesting Tech Prep Credits

2008-06-04T11:03:00.003-05:00

CHEERLEADER FOR US MANUFACTURERS

2008-06-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

April 7, 2008
WILLIAM ARMBRUSTER
Host of Travel Channel program blames schools and Hollywood for poor image of blue-collar workers The average American factory worker is 52 years old. That’s a scary thought. And it’s part of the reason why actor John Ratzenberger is on a crusade to promote U.S. manufacturing.Ratzenberger, best known for his role as Cliff Clavin, the postal worker in the TV sitcom “Cheers,” is the host of the Travel Channel’s program “John Ratzenberger’s Made in America.” The show, which spotlights U.S. manufacturers, entered its fifth season on April 2. It airs Wednesday evenings at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times. The May 14 episode will spotlight Bedford Park, Ill.-based Hoist Liftruck, a manufacturer of forklift trucks. “We’re literally running out of factory workers. I know a fellow in Chicago who could put 200 welders to work tomorrow, but he can’t find them,” Ratzenberger said in an interview with Shipping Digest. “I’ve talked to company heads who had to turn down big orders because they can’t find enough people with the requisite skills,” he added.Ratzenberger blames the school systems and the media for the poor perception of manufacturing and the paucity of young people attracted to factory work. “In the last 20 to 30 years, we’ve convinced kids that they have to go to college. A lot of kids don’t want to,” he said. Nonetheless, schools discourage students from considering blue-collar professions, and many, including the Los Angeles school system, have dropped shop courses, he said. This contributes to high dropout rates, he said.“What we’ve done as a culture, and certainly Hollywood is complicit, is we’ve denigrated anyone who works with their hands. We depict carpenters, bricklayers and welders as being dirty and stupid,” Ratzenberger said. “That’s always gone against the reality I grew up with. People who work with their hands are not stupid. You have to be highly skilled, dedicated and proud of what you do.”He recalls visiting one high school class and asking the students how many of them planned to go to college. All but one raised their hands. When he asked that student what he planned to do for a living, the student replied that he wanted to become an auto mechanic. The other students all laughed. Ratzenberger said he told them they would end up with big loans and waiting tables after graduating from college, while the auto mechanic would be fixing their cars and making a lot of money.“I would love to speak to an association of school guidance counselors,” he said. Many schools are not eager to have him visit because they don’t want a celebrity coming around and asking questions that could prove embarrassing if they were picked up in the local media, he said. Because the schools have failed to teach fundamental skills, many companies have to spend their own money to teach simple things such as how to use a ruler to measure 5/16ths of an inch, Ratzenberger said. Hank Cox, the National Association of Manufacturers’ vice president for communications, said the skills gap is the one issue that always comes up whenever he speaks to manufacturers’ groups around the country. “Young people coming out of high school today are simply unqualified to work in modern manufacturing. Our schools are pathetic,” he said. Noting that the NAM invited Ratzenberger speak at its National Manufacturing Week conference several years ago, Cox said, “We love his TV show and appreciate his commitment to manufacturing.” But, Cox added, “sometimes he sounds like he’s advocating protectionism, which makes us a bit nervous.” Concerned that young people spend too much time playing video games and not enough time doing things with their hands, Ratzenberger co-founded the Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation. Its goal is to introduce children to the joys of tinkering. “Little hands build big dreams. Give children tools and watch them build America,” the foundation states.Its Web site — www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org — includes an essay by Ratzenberger. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and all great inventors, he writes, “shared one thing in common: As children, they had all been inveterate tinkerers. They fiddled with things, took them apart, put them back together, wondered how everything fit together — and tried to make something new out of what they’d learn by doing.” The actor expressed his concerns in a meeting with members of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., and Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio. He told them the U.S. will face “an industrial tsunami in six to 10 years” because of the aging of factory workers and the shortage of talented young people entering the work force. Ratzenberger said he has been asked to run for Congress three or four times. “I keep saying ‘no’ because I figure I can get more done privately. With the support of factory owners and unions, I figure we can put a coalition together that would show people the value of going into trades,” he said.Ratzenberger, who co-authored the book “We’ve Got It Made in America,” a collection of essays, grew up in the blue-collar city of Bridgeport, Conn., which he describes as “the jewel in the crown of the industrial Northeast.” Many of the factories he visits now still use machines produced in his old hometown, he said. Besides the TV show and his crusade to promote manufacturing, Ratzenberger is active in the movie business. His voice can he heard in every animated Pixar film, including “Toy Story” and “Ratatouille,” and he has the lead role in a new film called “The Village Barbershop,” in which he plays a small-town barber. The film shared the prize for best feature film at the Cinequest Film Festival in San Diego last month. Ratzenberger said the producers are looking for a distributor so the film can be shown in theaters nationwide.