Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) middle school students from across Oahu attended the third annual Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education’s Middle School Career Industry Fair at the Hawaii Convention Center this morning. Students from Central Middle, Dole Middle, Jarrett Middle, Kalakaua Middle, Nanakuli High & Intermediate, Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate, Waianae Intermediate, Waipahu Intermediate and Washington Middle visited with more than 65 exhibitors and participated in activities designed to educate them about various career pathways.

"This event is a valuable opportunity for our students to learn about the diverse career options at their fingertips and the education they need in order to get there," said Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto. "By starting this dialogue when they’re in middle school, it will give our students a sense of purpose when it comes to their high school educational experiences."

The goal of the event was to introduce students to high skill, in-demand careers so they could start planning for their future. Prior to attending, students took the RIASEC test to assess their skills and interests. Students were given a "Passport" at the event and tasked with visiting five exhibitors and referencing the results of their test for guidance on which ones to visit.

“We want to help students see that education is the pathway to career success,” added Stephen Schatz, Executive Director of Hawai‘i P-20. “We need to build partnerships between education and industry, and create a seamless educational pipeline that ensures the future generation of workers will meet the demands of our growing economy.”

In celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the event features exhibitors from University of Hawai‘i programs, companies and industry partners representing the nine CTE pathways including Hawai‘i Pacific Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Oceanit, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, National Security Agency, Blue Planet Foundation, PBS Hawai‘i and more.

“I thought the fair was fun and interactive,” shared Washington Middle seventh grader Brynn Fulcher. “I’m hoping to become a photographer or go into graphic design, so it was interesting to visit those booths and hear from the people actually doing these jobs.”

The event was in partnership with Connect to Careers (C2C), a coalition of Hawai‘iʻs businesses, economic development and education partners to prepare students for success in high-skill, in-demand careers.

For more information about Hawai‘i P-20 Partnerships for Education and their initiatives to prepare Hawai‘i's students for college and careers, click here.