Campus News

More than 2,000 students explore more than 70 career pathways

More than 2,000 eighth-grade and sophomore students from throughout northcentral Montana attended World of Works on Tuesday, learning about more than 70 career pathways.

Paycen Hill, an eighth-grader from North Middle School, jumped from the cockpit of a jet at a United States Air Force display to playing a few points of pickleball with the City of Great Falls’ Park and Recreation Department, excitedly chattering with friends before heading out on more adventures at Worlds of Work on Tuesday.

“Just learn about work and what kind of careers you want to do when you grow up,” he said. “It’s fun here, and I hope to do it again.”

Anything stand out?

“I’m a big racing guy, so (Great Falls College welding student) Dan Harvey’s racing car … that was really cool to see,” he said.

Of course, that was the point.

Hill was one of more than 2,100 eighth- and 10th-grade students from 30 Montana schools to participate in the Worlds of Work on the campuses of the University of Providence and Great Falls College.

Tuesday’s event marked the third Worlds of Work, organized by Central Montana Works and United Way of Cascade County and made possible by an army of 200 volunteers and sponsors.

The event, described as a career fair on steroids, leverages businesses to enhance students’ educational experiences to connect how schools teach students applicable job skills for local industries.

Almost every eighth-grader and sophomore from Great Falls Public Schools joined with hundreds of students from the surrounding area to participate in hands-on activities from 76 employers from throughout the region. 

“This unique student-to-community experience plays a crucial role in workforce development by giving students hands-on experiences with a wide range of career paths,” Great Falls Public Schools Superintendent Heather Hoyer said. “WoW helps bridge the gap between education and industry, empowering students to explore future opportunities, develop skills and connect with local employers.”

“I’m really excited to go to the medical section because that’s what I think I want to go into when I’m older, said Sofi Moore, a sophomore at C.M. Russell High. “I think it makes it available to have more options, which is nice to have.”

Okemos Castillo, a sophomore at Great Falls High, said he already knows he’d like to become either a librarian or a chef, but enjoyed the event even though he already has ideas for the future.

“So far it’s been fun,” he said, after holding a rocket launcher. “I’ve got to hold a lot of weapons. I got a lot of candy. I got handcuffed.”

Krystopher Evans-Adams, an eighth-grader at Sunburst, said the day was a lot of fun.

“The experience of looking at all of the different options for jobs when I get older,” he said.
The National Guard was fun. We did this nail competition where you hammer a nail into the wood.”

Any ideas for your future”

“Not really. Just looking around.”

United Way Community Impact Director Lacey Hallett led a team of volunteers who worked throughout the year to recruit additional businesses and invite more rural schools to participate.

“We are connecting students with industry in a super hands-on way that excites them and starts them thinking about career pathways that they can work on in the future but also today,” Hallett said.

Hallett said it’s important that WOW goes beyond just a one-day event. From here, teachers and counselors can connect students to classes and extracurricular activities that can help them earn college credits and build the skills needed to succeed after they graduate.

“The wonder on these kids’ faces as they get to strike a welding arc or assemble plumbing pieces reveals the budding dreams of their future,” said ADF Production Manager and Central Montana Works board chair Trevor Floerchinger. “Our next step as a community is to nurture these dreams daily, ensuring they come to fruition.”

Ella Wilber, an eighth-grader at North Middle School, was succinct when asked what she hoped to get from the day while talking with friends at the first zone on University of Providence’s campus.

“Finding a job I actually like,” she said.

Anything, yet?

“Not yet. I like doing experiments, seeing what chemical reaction explodes and what doesn’t.”

All of the displays had hands-on opportunities to try.

“This creative hands-on experience offers students a glimpse into possible future career paths,” said Brittany Budeski, chief operating officer at University of Providence. “It allows for questions to be asked and answers to come straight from the source, the professional. The university campus community is always eager to get involved with the event so that our young Montana K-12 students can continue to have this experience. We have nearly 100 volunteers each year, which includes faculty, staff, and students - all helping to support the event. We’re delighted to be able to do so again this year."

The event is designed to be fun and interactive to keep the students talking about it.

“I’m excited to be here instead of school, said Valentina Guillen. “I’m expecting to learn how to be something when I grow up. I want to be one of the military people.”

Why?

“I get to serve my country.”

 It’s a lot of fun for the host campus, as well.

“One of our favorite days on campus the last few years has been Worlds of Work,” said Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and dean of Great Falls College. “There are helicopters, race cars, AI technology, heavy equipment, fire trucks and so much buzz and excitement, but what we enjoy most are the smiles on the students’ faces as they talk about their futures and what they learned. It is an incredible event, and we are really proud to co-host it with the University of Providence and showcase our community partners and all they offer. It’s a special, special day.”

Hallett emphasized the day wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers and sponsors.

“To make an event of this size and impact happen takes a true communitywide effort,” she said.

Core planning partners include Central Montana Works, Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Great Falls College, Great Falls Public Schools, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, United Way of Cascade County and the University of Providence.

Diamond-level sponsors for the event were Great Falls Clinic and Dick Anderson Construction. Gold-level sponsors were ADF International, American Welding and Gas, Central Plumbing and Heating, Montana Contractor’s Association and Steel Etc.