School District U46 will hold Explore 2016: A U46 Community, Curriculum and Career Expo, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, in Building J: Events Center at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr. in Elgin, to showcase hands-on demonstrations, career pathways and a chance to talk to local people, including U46 alumni, in a number of job industries, according to a news release from the district.
The free event provides an opportunity for U46 students in fifth through 12th grade and their families to explore at least 60 different careers, the release said.
From doctors and engineers to firefighters and police officers, students will learn more about the coursework necessary to pursue a career, officials said.
"The goal of the expo is for our students and their parents to use this as a springboard to education and career pathways in the District," said U46 CEO Tony Sanders in the release. "This event really reflects the best of our community and the collaboration that makes our community special."
Presentations begin at 11 a.m. and they will feature a number of speakers including Raquel McCormick, executive director of Alignment Collaborative for Education, Dr. David Sam, president of Elgin Community College, City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain and Sanders. To conclude the speeches, the Elgin High School Clumsy Chefs will provide a demonstration.
The expo was organized last year by the U46 Citizens' Advisory Council and the Curriculum department. Now in its second year, the expo is also supported by Alignment for Collaborative Education, a non-profit organization, assisting the district with expanding awareness and participation of community organizations, such as Elgin Community College, Gail Borden Public Library and the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, the release said.
Free shuttle busing will be available to U46 parents and their children every 30 minutes from the district's eight middle schools throughout the day, the release said. The last round of buses leaves Elgin Community College at 3 p.m.
To see welcome messages about Explore 2016, go to the U46 YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/SchoolDistrictU46.