On October 22, 2024, Carbondale Area School District hosted its annual Career Exploration Day, an event dedicated to helping students connect with local career opportunities and develop life skills. From career presentations to community service projects, students from 7th to 12th grade engaged in meaningful activities to guide them toward future goals and foster a sense of community responsibility.
For 7th and 8th graders, the day included a morning of community service at notable local sites. Students rolled up their sleeves to clean West Side Park, Russell Park, Main Street, and the Heritage Trail, helping beautify these community spaces. Another group volunteered at the United Neighborhood Center on Fallbrook Street, where they assisted with tasks to support the center’s community-focused mission. These activities provided the students with valuable experience in teamwork and community engagement, leaving them with a sense of pride in their contributions to Carbondale.
Meanwhile, the 9th graders kicked off their day at the Career Technology Center, where they were introduced to various vocational programs. In the afternoon, they participated in an “Adulting 101” session, covering essential life skills often overlooked in traditional classrooms. Topics included the effects of social media, managing stress and anxiety, laundry basics, personal care, and the “things your parents do for you,” equipping students with practical skills to help prepare them for independent living.
The 10th-grade students took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), an assessment that helps measure strengths and potential for various career paths. Following the ASVAB, they attended career presentations, giving them insight into professional pathways and the qualifications needed in various industries.
For the 11th and 12th graders, the day was structured around small group sessions with professionals from diverse fields. Students completed surveys to align their interests with the available presenters, ensuring each student received information tailored to their post-secondary aspirations. Each presenter shared their career journey, offering advice on navigating both educational and professional challenges, which gave upperclassmen a clearer vision of the steps needed to reach their career goals.
Following the event, students in 11th and 12th grade were given a follow-up survey to gauge the impact of Career Exploration Day on their future interests. When asked, “Did Career Exploration Day spark an interest in a future career?” 68% of the students who responded said yes! Another question, “Did Career Exploration Day introduce you to a career you never knew about?” received a similar response, with 70% of students saying the event had opened their eyes to new career options.
With Career Exploration Day, Carbondale Area School District continues to set an example of how community, education, and career readiness can intersect to support the growth of well-rounded students. The event leaves students better equipped for their futures and more invested in their community. We look forward to our students continuing to Charge into the Future!
Pictured below are some of the career presentations at the school.
Here are some of the photos from the college and career fair.
The following photos were taken at the ASVABs.
The following photos are from the Junior High Service Trip.
The Carbondale Area School District and Career Exploration Team would like to thank all the presenters and community partners that helped make this day such a huge success. We look forward to continuing to host this annual event.
