Hands-On Expo Inspires Kids, Shows Off Careers

Harper hosted its 2013 edition of the free College and Carer Expo on Saturday, April 27 in the Avanté Center for Science, Health Careers and Emerging Technologies. Geared toward students in fourth through eighth grade and their families, the event featured a long list of hands-on activities and demos showcasing health care, chemistry, graphic arts, astronomy, biology and more.

Hundreds of young people and their parents had an opportunity to test their DNA, see police canine dogs in action, design and print their own posters in the graphic arts lab, make slime in a chemistry classroom, get an up-close look at fire trucks and learn more about rocket-building from a NASA-bound team of Harper students.

“Our goal is to give these children an idea of the outstanding careers that are out there, and help them understand the role that higher education plays in getting there,” says Mike Barzacchini, Harper's Marketing Director and co-chair of the College's Inspire Team, which coordinated the event. “Of course, we're making sure they have fun while they're learning, which is what inspiration is all about.”

The Expo, which featured Harper faculty alongside professionals from outside companies and organizations, furthers a College goal of engaging young students early-on in their education.