U-46 to highlight career pathways at Saturday fair
Fifth- through 10th-graders will get to explore dozens of career pathways at Elgin Area School District U-46's third annual career expo Saturday.
Explore 2017 takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elgin Community College, Building B, 1700 Spartan Drive.
It will showcase the district curriculum, and include hands-on demonstrations and conversations with local professionals.
"It's never too early to start thinking about high school courses as well as college and careers," U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said. "Explore 2017 will provide an opportunity for families to engage with U-46 teachers, guidance counselors and local organizations on possible career pathways their students can take."
U-46 teachers and staff members will explain core classes, electives and popular course sequences based on students' career interests, and earning industry certifications, such as for careers in automotive welding, health care science and manufacturing. Two automotive teams, including an all-female group, will race the clock in an engine teardown.
The fair is being held in partnership with the Alignment Collaborative for Education, a local nonprofit that brings together community resources and initiatives to support the district.
"This year's expo has more than 65 careers to explore," said Nancy Coleman, ACE executive director. "Community and business leaders who understand the importance of showcasing careers to middle and high school students will create a rich experience for students in various career fields, from environmental sciences to culinary arts."
Several dozen local business and industry partners will lead students in discussions and hands-on demonstrations, such as assembling a frame with Fabric Images and performing day-to-day procedures taught at AVID certified nursing assistant school.
The Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will host a hospitality booth with culinary demonstrations by representatives from Grand Victoria Casino, trivia games and giveaways. Students can learn about public safety careers from the Elgin Police Department, which will bring a SWAT truck, and the Elgin and Carol Stream fire departments.
The event is free and open to all U-46 students and their families. There will be free shuttle buses every 30 minutes to and from the expo and all eight U-46 middle schools.