Sixth Graders Dive into Future Careers at WVU Expo Today
URGENT UPDATE: Sixth-grade students from South Middle School in Morgantown, W.Va. are exploring career opportunities RIGHT NOW at a hands-on expo organized in partnership with West Virginia University (WVU). The event, taking place today, October 19, 2023, features around 240 students engaging with professionals from various fields, including STEAM, health sciences, agriculture, and more.
This dynamic event, supported by the West Virginia K–12 Speakers Bureau and the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (WVPEC), aims to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation. Students are participating in interactive sessions that include activities like artificial intelligence storytelling and CPR training, helping them connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
Lauren Underdonk, a school counselor at South Middle, emphasized the importance of early career exploration. “Many people think we wait until high school to start talking about careers, but middle school is when students begin to take courses that shape their paths,” Underdonk said.
Throughout the day, students will rotate through six career stations, each designed to showcase the diverse opportunities available in West Virginia. These engaging demonstrations are led by representatives from WVU Medicine, WVU Extension, and M&S Consulting, among others, all dedicated to enhancing students’ understanding of career clusters.
Donna Peduto, the executive director of WVPEC, highlighted that events like this are crucial for exposing students to local job opportunities. “A lot of students think they have to leave West Virginia to find a good job,” Peduto stated. “Events like this show that there are amazing careers right here in our state if they choose to stay.”
The expo is part of a weeklong celebration of college and career readiness, marking the first year that sixth graders are included in this initiative. With positive feedback already pouring in from students eager to participate again, the event underscores the significance of introducing career concepts early.
As South Middle School continues to expand its real-world learning initiatives, this expo serves as a vital reminder of the importance of career readiness in education. The collaboration with the Speakers Bureau, which connects K–12 schools with industry professionals at no cost, has proven effective, with over 160 volunteers currently involved.
The career expo not only provides valuable insights but also fosters excitement among students as they consider their futures. As the day unfolds, educators and organizers are hopeful that this experience will empower students to make informed decisions about their educational pathways.
Stay tuned as we follow this developing story, showcasing how early exposure to career opportunities is shaping the futures of young students.
