SPOKANE, Wash. – More than 2,000 fifth grade students from every elementary school in the Spokane Public School district attended a career fair on Wednesday to learn about a variety of options that are available after graduating.
More than 50 companies and universities were at the event talking to students, informing them on their occupations and how to get into their careers.
Stevens Elementary School counselor Fondra Magee explained why exploring the job market early helps students in the long run.
“What we found is early exposure to the numerous, and varied types of careers is both very beneficial, and it’s also needed,” Magee said.
Not only does envisioning a successful future help students when they graduate, but it can also help them remain focused right now.
“Research has shown that 16-year-olds that have dropped out of school really dropped out psychologically as early as the third grade. A lot of the reason is they didn’t make the connection between what I’m doing in school, and what I’m having to do here, as it relates to the real world,” Magee said.
Students walked between the booths and asked questions to better understand what each company did.
“It was kind of overwhelming because I have so many careers to choose from,” Penelope, a fifth grade student, said.
The students were thankful to learn about so many different paths that are available after school.
“It’s really cool how the world has so many careers in it, and it’s really cool that they made time in their life to come here and help children find out what they want to do when they’re older,” Adilyn, a fifth grade student said.
