Students across Forest Park School District 91 recently had the opportunity to explore future career possibilities during Career Exploration Days held at Betsy Ross Elementary School, Field Stevenson Intermediate School, and Forest Park Middle School. The events welcomed professionals from a wide variety of industries who volunteered their time to share their career journeys, educational experiences, and day-to-day responsibilities with students.
At Betsy Ross Elementary and Field Stevenson Intermediate School, presenters rotated from classroom to classroom, allowing students to hear from multiple professionals and experience a variety of career fields. At Forest Park Middle School, students completed an interest survey ahead of the event, and then staff assigned them to speakers who aligned with their interests and future aspirations.
Throughout the events, students engaged directly with presenters by asking questions, participating in hands-on activities, and learning about the many pathways available to them after graduation. Career representatives included mechanics, scientists, finance professionals, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and many others, giving students exposure to a broad range of professions and opportunities.
At Betsy Ross Elementary, Principal Tinisa Huff emphasized the long-term impact of early career exposure, sharing that “events like this plant seeds for future aspirations. While students may not yet know exactly what they want to do, these experiences help them begin thinking about their interests, strengths, and possibilities. Over time, repeated exposure to different careers can help students set goals, build confidence, and develop a clearer vision for their future pathways.”
Career exploration opportunities across District 91 are helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to future possibilities by showing them how academic skills are used in real-world careers. Through conversations and hands-on experiences, students see how reading, writing, problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking play an important role in everyday work. Providing this exposure at an early age builds motivation and confidence, and encourages them to think more intentionally about their goals.
Field Stevenson Intermediate School Principal Mrs. Bogdan explained that Career Exploration Days help “make academic content visible and relevant. When students hear how a veterinarian uses measurement, a game designer uses coding, or a construction manager uses geometry, classroom subjects stop feeling isolated.” She added that Career Day connects classroom standards to authentic applications, reinforcing why those skills matter.
At Forest Park Middle School, Principal Mrs. Watson connected the event to the district’s ROAR expectations and the importance of community involvement. She shared that “Career Day really shows what Opportunity in our ROAR expectations looks like. It gives our scholars a chance to see new possibilities and hear directly from people in different careers.” Mrs. Watson also noted that the support from community members who volunteered their time helps students begin thinking more deeply about their future and what is possible for them.
The Career Exploration Days not only introduced students to future professions but also strengthened partnerships between schools and the broader community. By bringing real-world experiences into the classroom, District 91 continues to create opportunities that inspire curiosity, confidence, and future goal-setting for all students.