The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia County School District (CCSD) partnered to host a Career and College Expo on March 6 at the Columbia County Exhibition Center.
Bringing opportunities from the CSRA and beyond to students
Aiming to connect area businesses, universities, and trade schools with middle and high school students, the expo offered insights into a range of career pathways, some that could be available for students as early as the day they graduate from high school.
With nearly 60 colleges participating, including Georgia Southern, Presbyterian, University of Alabama, Augusta University and Helms College, as well as the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines, students had ample opportunities to explore various higher education options.
Nearly 30 businesses such as Georgia Cyber Center, Doctors Hospital, John Deere, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office also took part in the event as well.
This year’s expo was reportedly more hands-on than in previous years, with businesses giving students a better look at the realities of their jobs; Georgia Power even brought in a lift truck for interested students to see up close.
Opening doors
Kelly Tyson, CCSD coordinator of Student Support Services, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity-laden affair.
“This is an incredible event because it opens up the doors for students to see not just what the outcome is if they go to college, but also what careers are waiting for them,” she said.
“What we like about this expo is that it’s very much a hook for students to see what is waiting for them on the other side of those doors,” she added.
Tyson said it’s never too early for students to start looking ahead toward the future.
“One thing that is really important for us on the school district side is to start piquing their interests early,” she said. “There are so many different pathways that we offer through the school district that can really help give [students] sort of a leg up.”
