Killeen ISD 8th Graders Explore Career Opportunities

Central Texas Career Quest: Shaping the Future Workforce Killeen ISD 8th Grade Students – Over 2,600 eighth-grade students from across Central Texas gathered today at the Cadence Bank Center for the Central Texas Career Quest: Pathways to Your Future event. This day-long initiative, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., brought together students and professionals to explore diverse career opportunities in the region.

The event, designed to provide valuable career insights to young minds, featured 45 employers from various industries. Each employer set up booths to showcase their respective industries, highlight available career paths, and answer students' questions about their fields.

Students eagerly engaged with professionals, asking questions such as:

  • What advice would you give someone interested in this career?
  • What inspired you to choose this career?
  • What do you enjoy most about your job?

student groupThe professionals provided thoughtful answers, sharing their journeys, advice, and the skills needed for success. Through these interactions, students gained a deeper understanding of the skills and educational pathways required for careers in industries ranging from healthcare and technology to manufacturing and public service.

“This event is about inspiring the next generation of Central Texas professionals,” said Samuel Schmidt with Trideum. “By connecting students with industry leaders, we’re giving them a glimpse of the possibilities that lie ahead and showing them the pathways to turn their dreams into reality.”

In addition to the valuable career insights, students had the chance to win exciting prizes. Teniayo Olufemi, an eighth grader from Smith Middle School in Killeen ISD, was one of the lucky winners of a gift card, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already impactful day.

employerThe participating employers expressed their enthusiasm for the event, noting the opportunity to connect with future talent while promoting their industries. Many highlighted the significance of investing in the community by inspiring students to pursue careers that align with local workforce needs.

“This event gave us a platform to not only highlight our organization but also empower students with knowledge about the wide range of opportunities available to them,” shared Graciela Velazquez, Fort Cavazos Area Community Coordinator. “It’s exciting to see their curiosity and interest.”

The event underscored the critical role that collaboration between schools, businesses, and the community plays in preparing students for their futures. By providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore careers, Central Texas Career Quest demonstrated its commitment to developing a strong local workforce and supporting students in charting their paths to success.

As the day concluded, it was evident that the event had made a meaningful impact on the students who attended. With new insights and inspiration, these eighth graders are better equipped to make informed decisions about their educational and career journeys, paving the way for a brighter future in Central Texas.


About Central Texas Career Quest
The Central Texas Career Quest: Pathways to Your Future event is an annual initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education and workforce development. Through meaningful interactions with industry professionals, students are encouraged to explore career pathways and consider the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing job market.

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