Middle school students from six school districts gathered at the Olde Dominion Agriculture Complex in Chatham, Virginia, on March 6-7, 2024, for the 12th annual Career ChoICE Youth Expo. This two-day event, which will feature high school students on the second day, welcomed over 3,000 young learners to explore a variety of employment opportunities available in Southside Virginia. The unique capitalization of “ICE” in ChoICE stands for “imagine, connect, and explore,” encapsulating the expo’s primary objective.
According to Jessie Vernon, director of employer engagement and experiential learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the event aims to expose middle school students to career possibilities in their region. “For the middle school students, the idea is this is really about exposure to just what’s available here in the region,” Vernon stated. She has been instrumental in organizing the event since its inception.
Students actively engaged with local employers, asking questions about various professions. The Danville Police Department showcased a Chevrolet Tahoe patrol vehicle, drawing interest from students. Spokesperson Matt Bell noted, “We find more and more each year that the kids are interested in law enforcement.” Students inquired about daily life as an officer, the arrest process, and community engagement initiatives, demonstrating their curiosity about potential career paths.
Vernon observed that middle school students exhibit a different energy compared to high school attendees. While younger students are eager to explore numerous stations, high school students tend to focus on specific career fields as they approach graduation. “They’ll spend a little more time with the stations they stop at, but they are going to visit less areas,” Vernon explained.
The police department has participated in the expo since its inception, using the opportunity to recruit future officers and educate students about available career options. Bell highlighted the importance of engaging with younger students, stating, “It’s a good time to have a great impression on them and just let them explore a little bit.”
At the Sovah Health-Danville station, representatives provided hands-on experience by teaching students how to perform CPR. Tyrell Payne, medical student coordinator at Sovah Health-Danville, expressed the significance of such expos for youth preparation. “This is just a career expo to help our youth prepare for their future,” Payne remarked. He encouraged students to start considering their educational paths and career aspirations early.
The expo also featured new employers like the Virginia State Police and Gray’s Lambscaping, a company that uses sheep to manage grass at solar farms. Vernon emphasized the importance of showcasing local career potential, stating, “We want to keep young talent here.”
As students continue to explore their interests and options, events like the Career ChoICE Youth Expo play a vital role in guiding them toward their future endeavors. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the attendees signal a promising outlook for the next generation as they navigate their career choices.
