Thousands of students explore careers during Chamber of Commerce event

What do you want to be when you grow up?

That was the big question Thursday as students in south central Kentucky got a chance to explore a variety of career opportunities.

Thursday the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce held its third annual SCK Launch Experience.

“I think it’s important for kids to be here because in a world where they are expected to know so quickly what they want to be at 18, so they can go to school, college, whatever. It’s important to get that exposure so they are more prepared and not just scrambling, trying to pick something, and figure it out,” said Jesslyn McCandless, a volunteer at the event.

Nearly 3,000 eighth grade students from nine different school districts attended the event at South Warren High School.

“They have many, many different businesses, and they are all unique and they all have done a great job explaining what they do as a career path. It’s a great opportunity for kids to come out and maybe get a little urge and direction of what they might be doing for the rest of their lives,” said David Downing, the CEO of Yellowberri.

The event featured 44 businesses in seven different career sectors.

“Well I think this is a great opportunity for all the eighth graders not just in Bowling Green and Warren County, but the whole region to experience the great job opportunities that are available in our community,” Bowling Green Independent Schools superintendent Gary Fields said.

Those sections included construction, health, hospitality, business, manufacturing, transportation, and public service.

“The range of creativity and direction that culinary arts can take you in life is very, very limitless. People travel all over the world to eat different cuisines and regional food,” said culinary arts student Eric Long.

The goal is for students to find a career pathway that interests them before they register for high school in January.

“I learned how long I have to go to school for, to do a certain career and I learned what I want to do,” said Gavin Allen, a student in Simpson County.