South Bend students gain hands-on experience at first 'GEAR UP IGNITE Career Expo'

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Thursday, South Bend students had a chance to get a jump-start on their future careers.

The South Bend Community Schools held its first ever "'GEAR UP IGNITE Career Expo" Thursday at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The event offered eighth and ninth graders the chance to try their hands at activities and talk to universities, governments, businesses, and community organizations.

Chad Addie, Assistant Superintendent for South Bend Schools of College, and Workforce Readiness, said, "We gave our vendors, our industry partners, our community partners, we gave them a challenge. We said, 'today, we want you to get the kids' hands dirty, make it interactive, and help them to really understand hands-on what it is to be in your career field.' And it's been pretty exciting watching the kids interact."

Thursday's expo had more than 60 companies and careers for students to explore, with more and more young people choosing to skip college and go straight into the workforce after high school.