Lightbulb moments: Career & STEM Expo inspires students with career options
With drones flying overhead, farm animals available to pet, cars on display and interactive demonstrations aplenty, the Kern High School District and Kern Economic Development Foundation hosted the Career & STEM Expo Friday at the Career Technical Education Center.
Hundreds of students from seventh grade through high school were invited to the event aimed at inspiring students to explore various career paths and connect with potential employers.
“This is the first step that a lot of students can take into learning about what they want to do for the rest of their lives,” said Elijah Lidgett, a student studying digital marketing at CTEC.
Lidgett said it is very important for students to gain hands-on experience to develop skills beyond what students can learn from textbooks or websites. He said the career expo allowed students to connect face to face with professionals in industries in which they have interest.
Students viewed live demonstrations, listened to workshops and enjoyed exhibits both inside the CTEC facilities and on the lawn outside. Guests learned about opportunities in career fields such as agriculture, law enforcement, health care and education. There was even a science-themed magic show.
Brian Miller, the principal of the Regional Occupational Center and Career Technical Education Center, said he was inspired to see Kern County students and businesses connecting with one another. He said many students have a limited “bubble” and the expo exposed students to new options for career paths.
Richard Chapman, executive director of the Kern Economic Development Foundation, said this event helps retain local talent in the local workforce and offers students the chance to learn hands-on from professionals.
“We want the businesses to see the incredible programs,” Chapman said. “This is a gem for the community.”
Hundreds of tents were set up on the field outside CTEC for businesses and colleges to showcase their professional opportunities and classes. For example, KHSD Police Officer Marisol Earnest showed off Officer Enzo, a Labrador puppy that is trained to sniff out firearms. Several students even had their own performances, workshops or tables to showcase what they learned.
ROC entrepreneurship teacher and drone operator Kyle Kuhlman watched three of his students showcase a drone performance at Friday’s event.
“I think it’s fun for them to see all the different opportunities that are here in our community that they can take while they’re in high school that can really help them figure out maybe what they want to do after high school,” Kuhlman said.
Kuhlman teaches students about different industries using drones and ROC helps students get their drone license. He said he is so proud of the cool things his students do.
In addition to job opportunities and college class options for high school students, Miller said there were opportunities for middle school students to learn in high school. The event also offered tours of the ROC facilities.
“There’s so many cool opportunities that they don’t know about — you got to think it’s really turning some lights on and getting them thinking about things that they might want to pursue as they kind of look at their career options,” Miller said.
