UMES was among some 140 businesses and educational institutions that took part in the Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore’s Inspire event February 27 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. Thousands of eighth-grade students explored career fields through displays and hands-on activities.
The Department of Human Ecology and UMES Extension represented the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences at the event. Faculty and staff talked to students about potential careers in fashion merchandising, child development, family consumer sciences and nutrition concentrations as well as extension and community outreach. Event attendees engaged in related hands-on activities and interactive games. Students learned about product development by making a design on promotional items, such as a T-shirt or a drawstring bag.
“Visitors to the booth were excited to learn about UMES and the programs that SANS has to offer,” said Dr. Kieu Do, assistant professor of Human Ecology.
According to JA Inspire organizers, students spent time in the classroom prior to the event learning about industries and taking skills assessments to identify careers they may be interested in based on their personal likes and dislikes. The goal of JA Inspire, they said, is to connect these middle school students to employers on the Eastern Shore of Maryland so that they can explore career opportunities and plan their high school coursework in early anticipation of their intended career path.
