In Crown Point, Crossroads Chamber says it recently hosted its first-ever Your Future, Your Choice 7th and 8th grade Career Exploration event. The chamber says the event held at Great Lakes Sports Hub was in response to Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements and the growing need to introduce students to career pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. It showcased careers requiring associate degrees, technical training, and professional certifications. Nearly 600 students from seven Region middle schools—Colonel John Wheeler, Boone Grove, Taft, Hebron, Scott, Pierce, and Hobart—participated, a news release said. “This event reflects our mission to bring the business community and education together for the benefit of our future workforce,” said Deann Patena, CEO and President of Crossroads Chamber.
Representatives from local industries, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), emphasized the importance of early engagement. “We’re happy to be here to have this opportunity to influence students at such a pivotal time in their lives and plant the seed for their future career as best we can,” said Matthew Valant, Training Director at Lake County’s JATC.
Kevin Comerford, Professional Development Director of Construction Advancement Foundation, highlighted the value of preparing students ahead of high school: “What we’re actually doing is preparing these middle schoolers for the expectations of a career path that they’ll be deciding in high school. Many are starting early and getting into career trade programs in high school—knowing that as freshmen or sophomores puts them ahead.”
“It’s an amazing accomplishment to bring the schools, businesses, and our community together to help students navigate their future career choices,” said Roslyn Malouhos, Northwest Indiana Division Director of Junior Achievement of Chicago. “Our young people often see within a three-block radius and don’t always realize the robust opportunities here for them in Northwest Indiana.”
For more information about Crossroads Chamber programs and future events, visit crossroadschamber.org .
