On October 1 more than 2,600 8th grade students from nine U-46 middle schools visited Explore 2026, held at the NOW Arena. This annual event connects students preparing to enter high school with more than a hundred careers to explore. Joined by 71 business and community partners as exhibitors, Explore showcases the fastest growing careers in the greater Elgin area from automotive and manufacturing opportunities to healthcare professions.
Nancy Coleman, Executive Director of Alignment shared: “As students transition to high school, Explore is an opportunity to peruse multiple careers leading to informed decisions about what classes in high school are most important to prepare for that career. This preparation includes visiting with business professionals that do that job each day along with understanding the value of career and technical education (CTE) courses that provide ‘hands on’ exploration. Whether a student is university bound or wishes to choose an apprenticeship opportunity, they need the practical experience beyond what the traditional classroom can deliver.”
Thank you to our community volunteers, U-46 volunteers, teachers, administrators, and high school students who filled the NOW Arena with career exploration.
ACE is a member of the Alignment USA communities of collaboration and collective impact.
