First-Ever Middle School Career Expo
San Juan College hosted the first-ever Middle School Career Expo in a two day event for all of San Juan County eighth graders.
Over 1,500 students came from local middle schools including Koogler, Mesa View, Heights, Tibbetts, Hermosa, Newcomb, Mesa Alta, Kirtland and Tsé Bit A'í to explore career pathways on January 31 and February 1.
Back in November, students took a career assessment through their schools preparing them for the chance to explore their career interests at the expo. The middle school students had 2 pre-selected career pathway sessions they attended and were also tasked with interviewing two employers connected with those pre-selected career pathways. Additionally, students had the opportunity to visit with San Juan College faculty and staff about their career pathways.
A variety of industries in Arts, Communications and Humanities, Business and Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Education, Social Service and Public Safety, Energy, Manufacturing and Transportation, Health Science and Science Math and Engineering were represented at the expo. Over 60 employers were available to provide information and answer questions about their respective industries.
“The idea behind the career expo is for middle school students to start exploring potential careers before they begin high school,” says Jenny Lambert-Beaty, director of the San Juan College Academic & Career Engagement Center. “We want students to make informed decisions regarding their NextStep Plan and their future and to help align their electives and dual credits to their career interests.”
This event was made possible by the San Juan College Foundation.