2023 BCCHS Freshman Academy Career Exploration Fair

This week, every Battle Creek Central High School (BCCHS) ninth grader had the opportunity to participate in the school's annual Career Exploration Fair. While the event began back in 2019 with the first class of BCCHS Career Academies freshmen, this year's event was held in person for the first time since 2020.

Dozens of local organizations attended the event to help shed some light on the many career pathways and opportunities that exist for them in the Battle Creek community after they graduate. Each organization in attendance was aligned with one of the school's eight Career Pathway options which every ninth grader will choose from at the conclusion of this school year to focus on for the remainder of their BCCHS Career Academies experience. Within the Academy of Health and Human Services, students can select from Health Care, Nursing, Education, and Public Safety. Within the Academy of Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology, students can select from Business, Finance, Information Technology, and Engineering and Skilled Trades.

Ninth-grade math teacher Mario Brown has been involved with the Career Exploration Fair since it began, whether in person or virtually. He said the community involvement is what makes the event truly special. "Seeing this level of community support for our students and their futures really speaks to what we are all about as Bearcats here at Battle Creek Central," he said. "We support each other, we're here to build our community, and our community supports us as well."

At BCCHS, the Freshman Academy offers a special, smaller learning environment to help students make a smooth transition into high school, bond with each other as a community, and begin their journey of career exploration. Each ninth-grade student receives instruction through a core team of teachers who share students to provide support for student achievement. The Career Exploration Fair is one of many experiences students receive during their freshman year, including career panels, workplace visits, college visits, and special guest speakers, that help explore and understand the career options available to them.

In addition to meeting with local business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs to learn about each field, the Career Exploration Fair also included engaging hands-on learning opportunities for students to try out.

"Whether it's laying bricks or balancing a checkbook, our scholars were able to get a small taste of the career experiences they have access to today," said BCCHS Executive Principal Tyler Gilland. "Each of these students has a bright future ahead of them," he added. "And it's exciting to get this opportunity to walk alongside them and guide them along their unique pathways to career, college, and community success."

*Photos: Nikki Elder, Special Projects Coordinator, Grand Valley State University Battle Creek Regional Outreach Center