The Bruce Convention Center bustled all of Thursday, as host and hub for the annually anticipated FUSION Work-Based Learning Seminar — targeting more than 100 juniors of Christian County Public Schools, and the cooperative opportunities before them.
Shuttled into career pathways throughout their high school career, students worked from 8 AM until 3 PM underneath several important umbrellas: personal finance, social media, getting and keeping a job, resume writing, human resource advice, healthcare pointers and more.
By the end, more than 120 soon-to-be-seniors were even more prepared to apply for summer and fall jobs befitting of their skills and interests, while earning school credit toward graduation, and a bit of salary.
Anna Fort, in the business and marketing pathway, said she’s “not sure yet” what jobs she’ll seek. She was told the Christian County Chamber of Commerce could be a good fit for her talents, but she said she wants to use the summer as a time to find the right opportunity.
Typically, she babysits during these months, but the adult world could soon be calling.
Livie Jorgensen, also on the path of business and marketing, noted she lifeguards during the summer.
However, she might be shelving her swimwear for business attire in the land of finance.
Sandra Hancock, student transition coordinator for CCPS, said the notion of career pathways and work-based learning in the district has been a focus and effort for at least 25-plus years.
The iteration today stems from a re-branding three years ago, which hyper-focuses on post-graduate readiness.
Pathway selection and personal exploration are encouraged during freshman year, and she said courseloads then dictate focus in a specific area.
She added the co-op effort benefits all involved, even if the career path winds a different way for the student.
In a 25-minute closing session with FUSION Coordinator Gloria LeMaster, she confirmed there were more jobs available than students — creating a rich field of employers from which they can choose.
She and Hancock both noted students must maintain a specific grade-point average, attendance rate and exhibit strong character and good behavior before being considered in the co-op exchange. Students also aren’t allowed to work with immediate or tangential family members, and thus must seek employment perhaps outside a comfort zone.
LeMaster said the number of businesses wishing to be a part of the program simply continues to grow.
Hancock said any businesses wishing to participate should contact her as soon as possible. Word of mouth, long-time partnerships and events like Thursday’s seminar have only amplified its success.
FUSION this time around brought together a number of top industry associates in the region, including:
- Cody Noffsinger of Hopkinsville Electric
- Katey Barnett of Planters Bank
- Scott Noisworthy of the Christian County Sheriff’s Department
- Nikki Chambers of HWEA
- Erica Jordan of Baptist Health Paducah
- Jim Lancaster of H&R Agri-Power
- Terrance Sowerby of Martinrea
- Amy Berry and Becky Williamson of WKDZ
- Penny Holt and Beverly Fort of CCPS
- Alissa Keller of the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County
- As well as Chris Tyson of CCPS, CCHS Teacher Victoria Mohon, and Christian County 4-H Youth Development Agent Jeremiah Johnson.
