The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual 8th Grade Expo at West Georgia Technical College’s (WGTC) Carroll Campus in February, in partnership with WGTC. More than 1,600 eighth-grade students from Carrollton City Schools and Carroll County Schools attended the two Friday events, exploring career pathways and educational opportunities available in the region.
The event provided students with the opportunity to explore more than 27 career pathways through guided rotations, including several WGTC programs such as culinary arts, computer science, healthcare, education, welding and more.
“Introducing students to career possibilities at an early age is critical to helping them see a future filled with opportunity,” said WGTC President Dr. Julie Post. “By opening our campus and partnering with the Chamber and local industry leaders, we are not only showcasing the programs available at West Georgia Technical College, but also helping students connect their interests and talents to real careers right here in our community.”
Sessions were led by over 40 local business professionals, higher education partners, and community leaders, who offered insight and hands-on demonstrations from their fields and showcased the day-to-day realities of their careers. Through interactive activities, real-world examples, and personal stories, students gained a deeper understanding of the wide range of career paths available to them.
“The partnership between the Carroll County Chamber and West Georgia Technical College is a powerful example of what can happen when education and industry align,” said Chamber President Rhyne Owenby. “By working together, we are creating meaningful exposure for our students and strengthening the future workforce of Carroll County.”
For more information about the 8th Grade Career Expo or Chamber workforce initiatives, contact the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.
