It’s simply never too early to get students thinking about their future and what careers await them. That is one of the many reasons why career fairs are important and fun opportunities for students in grades K-12 to become inspired to explore potential careers. They essentially help kids to identify their strengths and begin researching which careers might be a "best fit".

The Georgia Institute of Technology will be hosting a career fair for students in grades K-12 who will be able to meet professionals that might be able to point them in the right direction as to what they might want to be when they get older.

“A Pew Research Center report states that just 16 percent called United States K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education the best or above average,” according to AJC.

“However, 46 percent said K-12 STEM in the U.S. was below average.”

That being said, the combination of new technology and evolving teaching methods are beginning to change those statistics, slowly but surely. Companies are getting involved in trying to measure and track student performance to influence better technologies, while administrators and educators are experimenting with the best ways to engage their students.

“The nonprofit organization Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link, Inc. (SEM Link) is hosting its 9th Annual STEM Career Fair and Exhibition,” according to the report.

The career fair will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia Institute of Technology. 

The event hopes to clarify how STEM skills can be transferred to jobs that are in-demand and readily available to students.

“Our 9th  Annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Career Fair and Exhibition will provide K-12 students with an opportunity to explore careers and meet and interact with professionals in these fields,” reported EventBrite.

“In an environment similar to a job fair, attendees will have an opportunity to visit the tables of STEM organizations to engage in hands on STEM activities.”

The event is free and open to all area districts, as well as schools from out of state.

Read the full story here.

Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor