Over 500 eighth-grade students attended the second annual Wilson School District Career Day at Alvernia University last Wednesday. The immersive career exploration experience was coordinated by Alvernia’s Education Department and the Reading Youth Initiative in partnership with local organizations, student volunteers and faculty members across Alvernia’s four colleges.
“Once again, Alvernia faculty, students, and staff collaborated to create a memorable day of learning about various careers for students from two Wilson middle schools,” said Associate Professor of Education and Director of Educational Leadership and Teaching English as a Second Language Programs, Elena Lawrick, Ph.D.
“The Career Day offered an excellent opportunity to explore a range of professions and to foster their early career aspirations. We are honored to support the Wilson School District’s innovative efforts to prepare their students for the workforce of the future.”
Middle schoolers had the opportunity to interact with businesses and organizations in a fair-style format designed to encourage students to step beyond their comfort zones and interact with community members to gather information.
In addition to the fair, students were able to choose three interactive career stations that highlight Alvernia’s various program offerings including education, criminal justice, occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, physician associate, science, communication, and business as well as the potential corresponding career paths associated with each.
“As Superintendent of Wilson School District, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Alvernia University for their partnership in hosting our recent Middle School Career Fair,” Superintendent of Wilson School District, Dr. Chris Trickett.
“Their staff and students’ professionalism and expertise ensured a seamless experience for all involved.The collaboration with Alvernia University provided an ideal platform for our students to begin their journey of career exploration. The insightful guidance and opportunities presented throughout the day have left a lasting impact on our young learners. We are grateful for Alvernia University’s partnership in making our Middle School Career Fair a genuinely enriching experience for all involved.”
The stations included engaging with the anatomage virtual cadaver dissection tables with Physician Associate Program Director, Renee Langstaff, MSPAS, PA-C and Chair of the Science Department and Associate Professor of Biology, Eric Recktenwald, Ph.D. Students also had the opportunity to engage in a murder mystery demonstration with Chair of the Criminal Justice Department, Rosemary McFee, M.Ed., in the Crime Scene House on campus. Berks Community Television even partnered with Chair of the Communication and Digital Media Department and Professor of English and Communication, Jodi Radosh, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of Communication Kris Lowery, Ph.D. among six other stations.
“Collaborating with the Professors on the career fair was crucial to its success,” said Reading Youth Initiative Community Outreach Programs Coordinator, Angela Drebushenko. “The faculty shared their knowledge and expertise with the students and interacted with them through presentations and planned activities. The Wilson students had the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, and students and gain valuable insight about college classes and life on campus.”
