Knicely Conference Center Hosts Annual Career Expo for Eighth Graders
Bowling Green, KY – Thousands of eighth graders from the southcentral Kentucky region gathered at the SCK LAUNCH (Learning About Unique and New Careers Here) Experience event at the Knicely Conference Center on Thursday, October 24, 2024. This exciting hands-on career expo offered students the chance to explore future career opportunities in high-growth and high-demand industries.
Event Partnerships and Contributions
The SCK LAUNCH event is a collaborative effort led by the Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation, the Bowling Green Independent School District, Warren County Public Schools, and several local businesses. This partnership aims to provide meaningful experiences for the participating students as they navigate their future career paths.
Interactive Learning Experience
Throughout the day, students visited a variety of booths where they participated in interactive activities designed to give them a taste of different careers. For example, Monroe County Middle School eighth grader Marlie Finley giggled while learning to use a mechanism used in hip surgeries at the Med Center Health booth, demonstrating the fun and engaging nature of the event.
Students also had the opportunity to step into a virtual world, like Carter Bratcher, from Foundation Christian Academy, who explored a virtual construction site using a VR headset at the Logan Aluminum booth. Other students, such as Eli Boone from Munfordville Middle School, had hands-on experience dragging a dummy used by the Bowling Green Fire Department, simulating a real-life rescue scenario.
Career Awareness and Exploration
The expo showcased a wide range of career paths, from healthcare to education and construction. At the HealthForce Kentucky trailer, students practiced CPR on medical dummies, while others experienced a simulated calving journey at the Western Kentucky University’s Department of Agriculture and Food Science booth.
Students were not only learning about these careers but also actively participating in them. With the help of Chris McDowell from the National Park Service, students managed to squeeze through a wooden box that simulated spelunking, allowing them to experience what cave exploration might be like.
Engaging with Local Businesses
The event also featured local businesses like Pan-Oston, where Bryson Garrett from Monroe County raced to scan grocery items, demonstrating the skills needed in retail. Meanwhile, students at the Murphy Construction Group booth raced to reassemble building blocks into an archway, showcasing teamwork and construction skills.
Alongside hands-on activities, students were able to see real-life equipment, such as a drone operated by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, because modern law enforcement increasingly uses technology in their day-to-day operations. The Bowling Green Police Department also brought their Critical Response Team truck, which students explored to understand the equipment used in emergency responses.
Conclusion
The SCK LAUNCH Experience proved to be an enriching day filled with fun and learning. As the eighth graders left the event, they carried not only newfound knowledge but also an excitement for the future possibilities ahead of them. With direct access to local career paths, these students are one step closer to discovering where their passions may lead them in their future careers.
