More than 160 students took part in a special career-fair-style event on Wednesday, Dec. 7, aimed specifically at students who do not plan to attend college.
More than 40 representatives from trade schools, industry, government, trade unions, military branches, vocational programs, civil service, and small businesses attended the school’s second annual “What’s Next” event. They set up in the cafeteria for students to speak one-on-one about possible career paths to pursue after graduation. The event was open to juniors and seniors who either requested to take part or were identified by teachers and counselors as someone who would benefit from the opportunity.
"What's Next" was a brainstorm of the district’s Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in conjunction with the PHS Counseling Department.
Students were engaged in talking to the representatives and came away with loads of information and possibilities for a bright future. The event aligns with the district goal for the 2022-23 school year to “enhance and expand opportunities for non-college-bound learners.”
Among those presenters at “What’s Next” were Pepsi, YMCA, UPS, FedEx, NJ Corrections Department, Honeywell, Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, Salon Professional Academy, ANI Art Academy, PC Age Career Institute, AIMS Education, Universal Technical Institute, Lincoln Tech, Middlesex College, Raritan Valley Community College, and many more small-business entrepreneurs and industry representatives.