By DEVAN GAGLIARDO – Community Foundation of Grundy County
March 9, 2015
MORRIS – If you ask a 4-year-old what do you want to be when you grow up, they often times answer by saying a fireman, police officer, or something creative like a superhero or a cat. If you ask a 10-year-old the same question, they often answer with an occupation of their parents or a “famous” type job: basketball player, actress, president or a singer.
At some point, our youth realize they can’t grow up to be a cat or they become aware of the fact that although they love the game, a career in basketball may not be in the cards for them.
Some teens may know exactly what they want to be, but many either haven’t thought about it or have a limited knowledge of what type of careers are available.
The Community Foundation of Grundy County and Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) in conjunction with the Business Education Council is holding an event with the purpose of exposing Grundy County eighth-graders to a variety of careers available in and around Grundy County.
On April 21, the District 101 Recreation Center on Morris High Schomore than 1,900 eighth-graders, as well as GAVC students and a variety of businesses from the Grundy County area.
We believe it is never too early for students to begin thinking about their future. However, we want it to be fun and engaging, which is why businesses have been asked to provide an interactive activity at their booth.
For example, Morris Hospital Laboratory will have a microscope set up so students can see cells and tissue and Riverside Medical Center of Coal City will be bringing phlebotomy arm. We are excited to have State Farm coming with their mobile catastrophe vehicle and the National Weather Service with a hands on flood plain model.
In addition to businesses, we also will have education represented at the fair. Each GAVC program will have a booth with student demonstrations. Joliet Junior College also will be attending so students can learn about some of their programs. At this time, we have approximately half of the businesses we have the capacity for; therefore, we would welcome others to participate.
The fair is free for businesses to participate and is a wonderful way to talk with the upcoming workforce to inform them of the opportunities available in your career field as well as what type of training and education is required.
If your businesses is interested in learning more about the Grundy County 8th Grade Career Fair, contact Devan at 815-941-0852 or [email protected].
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