Frequently Asked Questions
Area 31 provides you with the skills and resources to CHART your destiny!
How can I find out more about the program I’m interested in?
Brochures are available on each of the Area 31 program areas. Ask your guidance counselor for more information.
When should I make a decision to enter an Area 31 Career Program?
Most students enter the program as juniors or seniors, so it is best to make some decisions while you are a sophomore. Some programs have recommended courses you should take before you enter the program, so it’s not too early to find out more about your chosen program when you’re a freshman or even before.
How do I enroll?
See your high school guidance counselor for an application form. Return the completed application to your counselor by the deadline. In some programs there are more applicants than slots. In that case, we consider attendance, grades, and teacher and guidance counselor recommendations.
Are there any fees or special equipment requirements?
Check to see if the program you want has additional fees or equipment requirements (fees vary by program). If you think you might have difficulty getting the required equipment, let your guidance counselor know.
What about transportation?
Most schools provide transportation between your home school and the Area 31 classes at Ben Davis High School. There are some exceptions. Be sure to ask your guidance counselor about transportation from your local high school.
What is a co-op?
You’ll often hear people in a career program talk about “co-op.” They are referring to cooperative programs where students are placed in a business situation to gain experience. The student earns school credits and gets paid. Co-op experience gives a student a big advantage when applying for a job, because he or she already knows what it is like to be employed in that line of work.
Can I receive college credit for Area 31 Career Programs?
You may currently receive college credit in 32 of our programs: advanced career & technical education, advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering, automotive service technology, aviation flight technology, aviation management technology, aviation maintenance technology, business technology lab, building trades, CISCO networking academy, collision repair, computer repair and network administration, cosmetology, dental assisting, early childhood education, electronics, emergency medical services, engineering, fire science academy, health occupations, heating and air conditioning, landscape management, law enforcement, machine tool technology, medical assisting, pharmacy tech, printing, radio broadcasting, tractor trailer driver training, TV broadcasting, web page design and welding. In the future, credit will be available for other programs.
Will Area 31 help me find a job when I graduate?
The skills you learn in Area 31 Career Programs – including learning how to develop a resume and apply for a job – definitely give you an advantage over other job applicants. However, we will also help you find available jobs. Don’t forget that many programs give you co-op experience that may lead to employment with your co-op company or other employers.
Where will I go from here?
- You may go directly to a high-wage, high-demand job with a bright future.
- You may go on for more training in a one or two-year program after high school.
- You may go on for a degree at a college or university.
What if I did not find the answer to my question?
If you did not have your question answered then you can see the career center counselors or contact us directly with any questions or concerns you may have.