Mount Pleasant Junior High School 8th Graders had the opportunity to explore possible career paths at the Learning Endorsements and Professions Youth Expo October 16th at the Mt. Pleasant Civic Center.  Sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Workforce Solutions for Northeast Texas, the Expo featured over 50 displays from area businesses, Northeast Texas Community College, and Mount Pleasant and Chapel Hill ISD’s.

Students had the opportunity to interact with professionals in four endorsement areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Business and Industry, Public Services, and Art and Humanities.

“Eighth grade students must now select an endorsement area, like a college major, when they enter high school,” explained Dr. Judi Saxton, MPISD Director of Communication and a member of the Chamber Education Committee. “The Expo gave our students the chance to talk to professionals in a variety of fields, to find out what they do and what it takes to pursue a career in that area. For many of our students, this was the first time they had been exposed to many of these professions. They also got to see some of the things they can study at Mount Pleasant High School – to talk to both teachers and students. Our 8th graders really enjoyed the morning. In fact, they are still talking about it.”

Planning is now underway for the L.E.A.P. Expo next year.

 

(Check out the Photo Gallery on the Jr. High campus website to see several pictures from the event.)