The 29th Annual High School Career Exploration Day, hosted by the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and Nebraska National Guard, was attended by over 1,200, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The 29th Annual High School Career Exploration Day, hosted by the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and Nebraska National Guard, was attended by over 1,200 on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The Exploration Day was hosted at the National Guard Armory in Kearney as it has been in the past.
Heather Ullman, Program Director with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce (KACC), said the event featured 83 different exhibits and booths and was attended by 41 schools with some traveling as long as three hours.
The event has continued to grow year-by-year, Ullman said, with the entire event fitting into the drill room, but spilled out across the building and even extended to outdoor features.
Derek Rusher, KACC President/CEO, echoed Ullman saying that the event has continued to grow year after year and said it is a great way for businesses to “plant a seed” with the students and showcase their business.
Rusher said the students themselves are in the midst of planning their own careers, with some already having an idea of what they want to do in the future. The exposure to the various businesses can help them further plan or spark an idea about a career.
Rusher said the chamber is interested in attracting a talented workforce, retaining that workforce and upskilling the workforce. The event is one way to help students see all the possibilities close to home.
Looking around the crowded room, Rusher said he was excited to see all of the students participating and coming to Kearney to be able to explore the options for their futures.
Ullman said later that exploration is in the name of the event for a reason, its not a job fair, but a time for students to learn about fields of study or employment, while the business and schools can market themselves.
