Bartlett High School senior Manav Shah spoke to eighth graders about his experience in the school’s STEM Magnet program Thursday during Explore 2024 at Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Approximately 2,500 eighth graders had the opportunity to “explore” future educational and career opportunities at the expo held Thursday at Now Arena in Hoffman Estates.
The Explore 2024 event will introduce students to a variety of career paths and academic programs as they prepare for high school and beyond.
The Alignment Collaborative for Education, a local nonprofit that brings together community resources and efforts to support district priorities, hosted the event in partnership with Elgin Area School District U-46.
“This is our students’ first opportunity to see all the career and technical education programs offered in their high schools, as well as the companies and community organizations they might build their careers in.” said Nancy Coleman, Executive Director of the Collaborative. .
Students from eight middle schools participated in Explore in three shifts throughout the day. They visited exhibits from local businesses and organizations. They also learned about the U-46 Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and the five high school magnet academies.
Bartlett High School senior Manav Shah spoke about his experience with the school’s STEM magnet program, which he chose after visiting Explore in eighth grade.
“It helped me figure out what my interests were and how I could pursue them,” Shah said of Explore. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but this event helped me decide which program to join in high school.”
About 600 parents in the district participated in a similar program Wednesday night.
U-46 Superintendent Suzanne Johnson said the event is important for the 8th grade students who will soon be applying to Magnet Academy and scheduling CTE classes.
“This event provides a one-stop shop where you can learn a little bit about all the career options available to you in high school,” Johnson said. “For many students, this is their first introduction.”
Eighth-graders from Eastview Middle School in Bartlett, including center Daniella Creekmar, will learn more about the District 301 Veterinary Medicine program on Thursday at Explore 2024. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
The U-46 Business, Culinary Arts, Engineering, Healthcare, Automotive, Welding and Precision Manufacturing programs were featured, as well as the Burlington Central Unit District 301 Veterinary Assistant program offered to U-46 students.
The district’s magnet academies include the Science, Engineering, and Technology Academy at Bartlett High School, the International Baccalaureate Academy at Elgin High School, the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Larkin High School, and the Beacon Media and Digital Arts Academy at South Elgin High School. , Streamwood High School’s Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Action, and Design Academy.
