On September 18, 2024, Benton Central held its first state-mandated career fair for all seniors and juniors. Students from Benton Central, Tri-County, and Attica attended the Career Fair in a joint effort to satisfy the new law requiring high schools to host or attend a career fair.
On July 1, 2023, A new Indiana state law called the House Enrollment Act 1002 was passed requiring all high schools to provide a career fair during school hours. The law aimed to ensure more students would have access to opportunities presented by career fairs. During the fair, many small businesses, local colleges, and even the Army sent representatives to Benton Central Jr & Sr High School. When asked about her thoughts on HEA 1002, School Counselor Kyra Rhoades stated in an email, “I think HEA 1002 provides students a great opportunity to explore the 3 E’s, employability, enlistment, and enrollment while connecting them with our community and industry partners.”
The Career Fair was run with aid from students in JAG, or Jobs of America, class. “They did it all; They helped with the setup and mapping of the fair, letting employers know if they had a spot in the fair, and they practically ran the whole thing,” Mr. Slavens, the teacher of JAG class, answered when asked about his students’ involvement in the career fair.
While this year’s career fair was small, many attendees have a lot of hope for future fairs. “I think it was really well put together and overall a good event,” Valerie Kaliz, a student in JAG, stated. Many other students also spoke about wanting more businesses and small colleges to attend. “It was great, I think maybe we should put it in the Arena gym, and more people and representatives for colleges and businesses can attend next year,” Owen Pearson, another JAG student, answered when asked about his hopes for future career fairs.
The initial run of this year’s career fair has done well among students and staff, and it certainly sets a precedent for future fairs. While the amount of representative attendees ran small; small businesses, local colleges, and enthusiastic students alike are ecstatic to see the fair evolve into something much bigger for students in the county.
