Sequoyah Public Schools launches new career exploration course for middle school students in partnership with Claremore Economic Development

October 10, 2024

Sequoyah Public Schools 

In response to growing regional workforce demands, Sequoyah Public Schools, in collaboration with Claremore Economic Development and Northeast Tech, announced the launch of a groundbreaking career exploration program. This initiative is designed to expose students to a diverse array of career opportunities, helping them to make informed decisions about their future educational and employment paths.

Offered to seventh and eighth grade students, this elective course explores a wide range of career possibilities and aims to ignite students' interest in different fields as they consider future educational and employment options. Through this program, students will interact with local industry professionals and gain valuable insights into multiple career pathways.

“This joint venture class will allow students to explore career opportunities each semester. Students will complete surveys, research careers, hear from guest speakers from the careers studied, and explore various choices to assist with making better decisions, to assure career readiness as they choose their educational path,” said Barry Bullman, Sequoyah Middle School Principal. 

"Eighth-grade students currently enrolled in the program have expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback. Sarah shared, 'It’s an interesting class that makes you think not only about college but also about other career paths out there.' Tenley added, 'I think it will help students start thinking about whether they want to pursue Career Tech or college before they have to make that decision.' Cullen noted, 'The guest speakers are engaging and make different career options feel more real and tangible.'"  

Bullman went on to say, “Overall, the class has been a good option for this year’s seventh and eighth graders. In the halls, it’s not uncommon to hear the students talking about their career inventories and either agreeing or disagreeing with their various occupational pairings. I think it’s one of those classes that has enough variety that it keeps the kids interested in coming to class every day. Mrs. Price has a strong workplace background in the actual subject of careers and can offer great advice and guidance along the way. The Career Connection class has been a very good addition to the Sequoyah Middle School selection of electives.”

Over the course of the 17-week program, students will engage with experts from multiple sectors, including human services, health sciences, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, communications, arts, and business. Each career cluster will feature a speaker from a local company, offering students firsthand knowledge of the industry and its potential employment options.

"Introducing students to careers and related educational programs early is crucial for their success,” said Caitlyn Ngare, Instructional Specialist at Northeast Tech.  “Through this partnership, Sequoyah Middle School students can explore their interests and discover programs that spark their passion, equipping them with the knowledge to confidently shape their future."

The program will culminate in an exciting career fair, where students will spend a day exploring current job opportunities throughout Rogers County, and speaking directly with professionals currently employed in their fields of interest. 

"Our future workforce is sitting in today's classrooms,” said Meggie-Froman-Knight, Executive Director of Claremore Economic Development. "Through collaborative efforts, like Sequoyah's career exploration course, we’re not only educating students on job opportunities and skills needed to succeed, but we're also actively supporting tomorrow's talent pipeline, ensuring the long-term success of our business community." 

To learn more about Sequoyah Public Schools and its educational offerings, visit https://www.sequoyaheagles.net/. 

About Sequoyah Public Schools 

Sequoyah Public School is dedicated to pursuing academic excellence and creating a life-long love for learning.  
Open communication enabling the whole community to participate equally in educating our youth. 
Achieving high expectations through innovative leadership, life skills, and citizenship. 
Respecting ourselves, others, and our environment while striving daily to be self-assured role models.

Come Soar With Us!