Kirtland Community College Hosts Over 800 Students for 8th Grade Career Exploration Day
Kirtland Community College welcomed over 800 students from 12 area schools on Friday, April 19, for its annual 8th Grade Career Exploration Day event. The interactive event provided students with an exciting opportunity to explore a range of potential future career paths and gain valuable insights into various fields of work.
“The event is a great way for students to choose and explore topics they are interested in,” said Kirtland Community College Admissions Coordinator Cesalee Kuffel. “It is a great way for students to get excited about learning and get a sneak peek into careers they may want to pursue in the future.”
Held annually, the Career Exploration Day event maximizes the use of Kirtland’s Grayling campus by offering a wide variety of career-oriented sessions. This year, students engaged in two unique topic sessions of their choosing, from a list of 27 total sessions offered, providing them with a comprehensive overview of potential career options. These included careers in skilled trades, the medical field, sports management and science, history, biology, and computer technology, among others.
“Students don’t realize that education and training is needed for many post-secondary plans, including trades. This is a way for them to understand that they can study a really long list of things that might interest them,” said Kuffel.
These hands-on experiences not only exposed students to potential career paths but also offered them a taste of college life. Students navigated the Grayling campus using provided maps, interacted with college professors, and participated in a wide range of interactive activities such as cardiac sonography: ultrasound of the heart, law enforcement and corrections academy, cosmetology techniques, automotive repair and maintenance and business of esports.
These activities aimed to foster curiosity and enthusiasm in students as they discovered different career fields and the skills necessary to excel in them. By working closely with Kirtland’s staff and faculty, the students received invaluable guidance and mentorship during the event.
Educators from the participating middle schools praised the event for its impact on their students’ perspective and understanding of potential career paths.
“You know we were down here last year and when we got back, all the comments I heard from the kids were about all the things [career pathways] they experienced and that they didn’t realize some of these things existed, so it gets them thinking,” said Gaylord Middle School Principal Joe Somerville “I think this event is very important. I came last year and I made sure to come back this year for the whole day. It is just a great event for the kids.”
Grayling Middle School educator, Craig Hofman emphasized the importance of the event in shaping students’ perceptions of college. “They see its local [Kirtland], it’s here and they don’t have to travel hours away to go to college. In years past you always heard go to college, go to a four-year university, well now you can come here get going on your education and career path and this activity here shows them that.”
By providing a safe and engaging environment for students to explore different career paths and college experiences, Kirtland’s 8th Grade Career Exploration Day plays a critical role in guiding students toward making informed decisions about their future educational pursuits.
The event serves as a bridge between middle school and higher education, offering students a chance to picture themselves as college students and professionals in various fields. This hands-on approach helps demystify the college experience, making it more approachable and tangible for the young students.
“The event acts as a vital stepping stone from middle school to higher education, empowering students to envision themselves as college students and in potential future career paths,” said Kirtland Community College Vice President of Student Services and Registrar Michelle Vyskocil. “Through interactive experiences, it transforms the college journey from an abstract concept into a concrete, accessible path for young students.”
Kirtland is dedicated to fostering innovative educational opportunities that enhance students’ lives and build stronger communities. Its commitment to excellence extends to hosting events like the 8th Grade Career Exploration Day, which aim to prepare students for a successful transition into higher education and beyond.
Kirtland plans to continue hosting the annual event in the years to come, as it remains a key part of the college’s mission to guide students and communities toward success through higher learning.
