Newberry Students Explore Future Careers Through Lunch and Learn Sessions
NEWBERRY — Newberry Middle School has launched an innovative program aimed at helping eighth graders discover potential careers through engaging Lunch and Learn sessions. This initiative, started last school year, offers students a chance to hear from local professionals and gain valuable insights into various job opportunities they may want to pursue after high school.
Understanding Career Paths
According to Jeanette Cunningham, the school guidance counselor, many middle school students enter without a clear idea of what career they may find appealing. She explained, “Coming into middle school, students might not have much knowledge about available careers.” To address this, Cunningham devised the Lunch and Learn program during her career guidance lessons.
Every month, counselors visit classrooms to educate students about different careers, complying with the South Carolina guidelines that necessitate multiple career-related lessons throughout the school year. The Lunch and Learn sessions are structured to provide interactive experiences, allowing students to connect with community speakers during their lunch break.
A Variety of Vocations
The speakers come from various professional backgrounds, including CDL drivers, firefighters, and fashion designers. During these sessions, speakers share stories about how they reached their career, including whether they attended college, trade schools, or began working right after high school.
“Sometimes, I walk around the cafeteria engaging with students at their lunch tables to encourage them to participate,” Cunningham noted. Up to 25 students can attend each session, where they can learn about the training needed for various careers and how ongoing education is essential for professional growth.
Motivating Students
Cunningham emphasized the importance of understanding that every career holds value, regardless of the level of education or prior experience. “I want to motivate the kids to learn, so if they have a dream career, they should not feel limited by their middle school performance,” she stated. The initiative aims to encourage students to realize that hard work in their studies can open doors to various professions in the future.
Get Involved
Community members who wish to participate as speakers in the Lunch and Learn sessions are encouraged to reach out to Newberry Middle School. Interested individuals can call the school at 803-321-2640 or email Cunningham directly at [email protected].
A Bright Future for Newberry Students
Overall, the Lunch and Learn program at Newberry Middle School provides an interactive platform for eighth graders to explore career options. Through this initiative, students not only hear about various professions but also receive inspiration to pursue their passions while recognizing the value of education and dedication in forming their future careers.
As the school year progresses, the impact of these sessions is anticipated to grow, guiding more students toward informed career choices and empowering them to take steps toward their futures.
