A group of local students recently swapped textbooks for toolkits, stethoscopes, and coding programs as part of an interactive career exploration event hosted by Owensboro Community & Technical College and the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club. Dubbed “Hands-on Horizons,” the event aimed to introduce young students to in-demand fields.
The event took place across four Boys & Girls Club locations, engaging 64 students in grades 5-9. Forty volunteer staff members from OCTC and the Boys & Girls Club guided participants through interactive activities.
Funding for the initiative was provided in part by Kentucky’s Kids Workforce Grant, awarded through the Kentucky Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Kentucky Education & Labor Cabinet. The grant supports programs that help young people explore and prepare for high-demand careers.
Students participated in hands-on activities across seven career fields: carpentry, certified nursing assistant, commercial driving, health care, robotics, technology, and veterinary technology. Each station offered real-world applications to help students connect learning with future opportunities.
Beyond career exploration, the event provided a welcoming environment with food and drinks, as well as program information and keepsakes for each participant. Students were also entered into a drawing for tech and learning prizes.
“This partnership is about more than just introducing students to career paths — it’s about inspiring them and planting seeds as early as possible,” said Dr. Ryan Hall, director of adult education at OCTC. “By providing hands-on experiences, we hope to show these students that opportunities are within reach, right here in our community.”
OCTC and the Boys & Girls Club continue working together to ensure students have the knowledge, resources and encouragement to explore careers that align with their interests and regional workforce needs.
More information about OCTC’s workforce programs is available at owensboro.kctcs.edu/workforce-solutions. Details on the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club can be found at cliffhaganboysandgirlsclub.org.
