UPDATE: Sixth-grade students at South Middle School in Morgantown, West Virginia, are exploring their future career options RIGHT NOW during an engaging career expo organized by the West Virginia K–12 Speakers Bureau and West Virginia University (WVU). The event, taking place on July 15, 2023, is designed to inspire around 240 students with hands-on experiences across various fields.
The expo features three interactive sessions today, showcasing careers in STEAM, health sciences, agriculture, the arts, information technology, and audio and video production. Representatives from organizations including WVU Medicine, WVU Extension, and M&S Consulting are leading demonstrations aimed at igniting curiosity among young minds.
Lauren Underdonk, a school counselor at South Middle, emphasized the importance of introducing career concepts at an early age. “This is the first year we’re including our sixth-grade students,” Underdonk stated. “They’re visiting different stations to learn about career clusters and the kinds of jobs within each one.” She noted that early exposure helps students make informed decisions about their educational paths.
Students are rotating through six career stations, participating in activities such as an artificial intelligence storytelling exercise, CPR training with health science professionals, and a Morse code challenge led by the WVU STEAM Technical Assistance Center. Underdonk highlighted that these experiences connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities, reinforcing the relevance of their education.
Donna Peduto, executive director of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, remarked on the importance of showcasing local career opportunities. “A lot of students think they have to leave West Virginia to find a good job,” Peduto explained. “Events like this show that there are amazing careers right here in our state if they choose to stay.”
The Speakers Bureau, part of the WVPEC, connects professionals with K–12 schools through a free platform, with over 160 volunteers currently engaged in providing classroom talks and events like today’s expo. Peduto emphasized that it’s easy for organizations to participate, stating, “Our speakers volunteer their time, and schools can sign up at no cost.”
Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement about future opportunities. Underdonk noted that teachers are already hearing from students eager to participate again. “It’s a great reminder of how important it is to start learning about careers early — even in elementary and middle school,” she added.
This event is part of the broader South Middle School Experience, launched in partnership with the Speakers Bureau in 2023, aimed at expanding real-world learning and connecting students with career pathways in West Virginia.
Stay tuned for more updates as this inspiring event unfolds!
