4th Graders Explore Future Careers at Career Exploration Fair
Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published:
Monday, 03 Feb 2025
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Image caption: CRCSD 4th graders engage in hands-on healthcare learning at the JA Equipment Exploration Fair! Students explore medical tools and models, gaining insight into careers in the healthcare industry
Excitement and curiosity filled the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) Educational Leadership and Support Center (ELSC) today as 4th-grade students from CRCSD took part in the Career Exploration Fair. This engaging event, hosted in partnership with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), was the first of two Equipment Exploration Fairs designed to introduce students to a variety of career paths through hands-on learning.
Local businesses and professionals from industries such as healthcare, public safety, engineering, and more set up interactive stations where students could explore different career options. Jill O’Hara, representing Eastern Iowa Health Center, was one of the business participants and observed firsthand how engaged the students were. “I really think they are absorbing what they are hearing and seeing,” she shared.
The event sparked inspiration among the students, with many already envisioning their future careers. Jayla, one of the attendees, excitedly shared, “I want to be a person that travels,” after learning about careers that involve exploring different places. Meanwhile, Lillian enjoyed the chance to connect with local law enforcement, saying, “I liked talking to the police.”
Students rotated through 15-20 hands-on stations, where industry professionals demonstrated skills, tasks, and equipment while connecting them to real-world careers. Leading up to the event, students completed pre-event classroom activities, including a Holland Skills Inventory, to help them prepare thoughtful questions and get the most out of the experience.
Image caption: CRCSD 4th graders explore hands-on learning at the JA Equipment Exploration Fair! Students get the chance to handle real tools and learn about careers in skilled trades in a safe and supervised environment.
Nate Klein, Vice President of Education for Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, reflected on the significance of this initiative, saying, “The Equipment Exploration Fair came as an idea in talking with the Cedar Rapids Community School District on how we could engage students at an earlier age with career exploration. It’s fun to see dreams become reality when you’re able to partner at that level with the district, gained by and from the local community, and have educators excited to bring their students for hands-on experiences. Just as CRCSD is looking to do with their college and career pathways, we are excited that the Equipment Exploration Fair will inspire students to lead choice-filled lives.”
Image caption: 4th graders from CRCSD dive into hands-on learning at the JA Equipment Exploration Fair! From packaging to product handling, these future professionals are getting a firsthand look at the world of logistics and supply chain management.
A second Equipment Exploration Fair will be held later this spring to give the remaining CRCSD 4th graders the same opportunity to explore careers and industries in an engaging, hands-on environment.
By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, these Exploration Fairs play a crucial role in helping young students imagine their future and understand the many opportunities available to them.
For more coverage of this event, visit: CBS2 Iowa: https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/crcsd-business-leaders-discuss-career-industry-paths-with-fourth-grade-students-iowas-news-now#
KCRG: https://www.kcrg.com/2025/01/31/cedar-rapids-4th-graders-learn-about-future-careers/
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