Over 600 area students participate in career exploration
On October 29 and 30, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual 7th and 8th Graders Go To Work program in partnership with the Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning at Missouri State University. More than 600 students from 19 area schools connected with 20 businesses in the region for career exploration with a focus on non-traditional paths. The program actively encourages students to explore career fields that break down gender stereotypes and open a wider range of possibilities. The effort is part of the Chamber’s ongoing work to develop the future workforce.
“We’re thrilled to see so many students, especially girls, excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers after visiting local businesses in that field,” said Karen Kunkel, workforce manager at the Chamber, who accompanied the students. “Programs like this are vital for showing them that they can succeed in any field they choose.”
During their visits, students gained real-world exposure to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, hospitality and health care. Each business hosted between 20 to 60 students for the day, creating a schedule of activities designed to engage students and teach them more about the company and industry. For businesses, programs like this are valuable opportunities to educate the future workforce about industries as they consider potential careers.
Positronic, a premium power and signal connector manufacturing company, welcomed students into their facilities to share information about key career opportunities in the manufacturing sector. While visiting, the students engaged in hands-on learning with a competition to build a working connector.
“Positronic has been dedicated to the Springfield area since we began in 1966. We chose to partner with the 7th and 8th Graders Go To Work program to introduce them to the incredible world of manufacturing. We are passionate about STEM fields and in sharing this passion we are cultivating the next generation workforce,” said Denice Rankin, human resources manager at Positronic.
This event will expand in the spring to include an additional 1,500 students as they visit local community colleges and tech centers in the Southwest Missouri region. By expanding further into the region, the program aims to reach students who previously lacked access to such experiences, providing them with valuable insights into the diverse career paths available and offering new career inspiration. Recruitment for the next program will begin in May 2025. Businesses in the Springfield region interested in hosting 7th and 8th graders can contact Karen Kunkel at the Chamber to learn more.
