On Wednesday, November 8 the Foundation for Douglas County School held the annual Career Connect 8th Grade Expo at the Douglas County Event Center. More than 75 employers representing dozens of industries welcomed students to interactive booths highlighting high-growth careers. Each student spent almost an hour in the hall, exploring careers, learning about post-secondary education options, and talking with mentors. The booths were staffed by career professionals and featured games, activities, and interactive technology including virtual reality goggles, medical simulations, lab experiments, and digital simulations.

The first round of students crowded around the Douglas County Sheriff booth, climbing into the outfitted SUV and checking out the view from the back of the police vehicle. The students had a lot of questions for the officers, wondering about a typical day on the job and the educational requirements to move up the ranks. 

"It helped me decide what I want to do when I get older," said Camyrn of Rocky Heights Middle School. "I got to meet three ER nurses from Sky Ridge Medical Center, I want to do what they do. I want to be an ER Trauma Nurse when I grow up." 

"The opportunity to see what is waiting for them on the other side of the classroom is invaluable for students," said Meaghan Sullivan, Executive Director of the Foundation. "Combined with the career exploration that is happening in the classrooms prior to the event, students will have a much better sense of the options they have for their future and what they can do now to set themselves up for success."

None of this would be possible without the dedication and support of the Expo's sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and partnering teachers.  Thank you to this year's supporters!