GALESBURG — More than 300 area eighth graders will embark on an immersive occupational journey during the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration experience from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 15 on Carl Sandburg College’s Galesburg campus.
The event, hosted by Sandburg in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and Regional Office of Education No. 33, will inspire students’ aspirations and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future while introducing them to diverse career options.
The Welcome to the Real World portion of the event simulates the implications of career choices and financial decisions, empowering students with a better understanding of how their choices can impact their financial futures.
In the Career Exploration portion, students will hear from a panel of professionals in a variety of career paths, allowing them to learn about necessary education and training, connect with these industry experts and gain invaluable insights into how they achieved success in their careers. The career panel will be moderated by Abby Colvin with the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development.
The event once again will include a variety of industry partners providing hands-on demonstrations. Participating groups include:
• Carl Sandburg College information technology department
• Carl Sandburg College Welcome Center
• Eagle View Community Health
• F&M Bank
• Galesburg Area Vocational Center
• Galesburg Fire Department
• Galesburg Police Department
• Illinois Department of Corrections
• John Deere
• Knox County Clerk and Recorder’s Office
• Local Union 91
• Midstate Manufacturing
• Porter-Hay Insurance
• Region Office of Education No. 33 (child development)
• Yemm Automotive
This partnership between Sandburg, the U of I Extension and ROE No. 33 underscores the commitment of these organizations to provide students with exceptional opportunities for growth and learning. More than 100 volunteers will be part of helping area students throughout this career experience.
For more information or to assist with the event, contact Tracy Engstrom, coordinator of career development at Sandburg, at 309.341.5246 or tengstrom@sandburg.edu or Shelby Carlson from the U of I Extension at srcarls2@illinois.edu.