GALESBURG, Illinois — More than 340 area eighth graders are expected to embark on an immersive occupational journey during the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration event from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Carl Sandburg College’s Galesburg campus.
The event, hosted by the college and in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and Regional Office of Education No. 33, hopes to inspires students’ aspirations and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future while introducing them to diverse career options.
The Welcome to the Real World portion of the event simulates the implications of career choices and financial decisions, helping students better understand how their choices can impact their financial futures.
In the Career Exploration portion, students will hear from a panel of professionals in various career paths, allowing them to learn about the necessary education and training while connecting with these industry experts and learning how they achieved success in their careers. The career panel will be moderated by Abby Thomas, director of communications and development at Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development.
Following the career panel, industry partners will have interactive demonstrations set up in the gymnasium so that students can explore career fields through hands-on activities. Participating groups include:
- CBI Bank & Trust.
- Dave’s Auto Body.
- Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education.
- Galesburg Area Vocational Center.
- Galesburg Broadcasting.
- Galesburg Fire Department.
- Galesburg Police Department.
- Hinchliff-Pearson-West.
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
- Knox County 911.
- Knox County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
- Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.
- Regional Office of Education No. 33 (child development).
- Carl Sandburg College: College of Nursing, Dental hygiene program, Information technology, Radiologic technology program, TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Upward Bound Math/Science, Welcome Center, welding program,
- Yemm Auto Group.
This partnership between Carl Sandburg, the U of I Extension and ROE No. 33 underscores the commitment of these organizations to provide students with exceptional opportunities for growth and learning. More than 150 volunteers will be part of helping area students throughout this career experience.
