The Laurel County Schools Center for Innovation (CFI) conducted a Career Discovery Camp in collaboration with the GEAR UP Program on May 26-28, 2021. The CFI faculty provided instruction and various learning activities for nearly sixty 8th & 9th grade students from South Middle/High and North Middle/High that spanned all technical programs at the CFI to include Media Arts Technology, Computer Science, Allied Health Sciences, Engineering Technology, and Industrial Maintenance Technology which all utilize rigorous STEM concepts within the delivery of the curriculum.
The event began with career path presentations that included various professionals speaking about their training, credentials, and daily work. On days two and three students worked with faculty to learn specialized skills that are specific to their program of study which allowed them be active participants in their learning. The three-day program concluded with a parent session that provided an overview of the programs and an informational tour of the CFI campus and technical program labs. “We enjoyed conducting this special collaborative program with GEAR UP and it allowed the students to explore various career pathways prior to their entering high school, so that they can make more informed decisions about their college and career interests and postsecondary plans”, remarked Dr. James M. Davis, CFI Principal.