Career Quest introduces eighth graders to high-demand career pathways

Students from Dime Box, La Grange students participate in hands-on exploration at Blinn-Schulenburg

May 7, 2025

Approximately 175 eighth-grade students from the Dime Box and La Grange school districts explored future career paths during the Career Quest program recently held at the Blinn College-Schulenburg Campus.

The event, designed to introduce students to high-demand, high-wage professions, featured rotating sessions in information technology, food manufacturing, health sciences, agriculture, welding and trades, business and finance, and education. Students engaged with 10 interactive stations led by Blinn professors, local industry leaders, workforce representatives, and staff from the Alliance for College and Career Student Success (ACCSS).

“Career Quest is our early recruitment event for eighth graders in our service area,” said Susie Shank, ACCSS Director. “This is a single-day opportunity for schools to bring their students to the Blinn College-Schulenburg Campus for a day of career exploration.”

The spring semester series included additional sessions on Jan. 17 and Jan. 31. In total, approximately 500 eighth graders from the Schulenburg, Columbus, Moulton, Flatonia, Round Top-Carmine, Fayetteville, Weimar, La Grange, and Dime Box districts and St. Michael’s Catholic School participated this semester.

“Students learn about career pathways that align with high-wage, high-demand jobs that can be found in our rural region,” Shank said. “They also explore a variety of post-secondary options such as workforce, trade school, and two- or four-year colleges.”

Lisa King, Human Resources Manager for Dairy Farmers of America, led the food manufacturing session. She said the program allows students to look at different career choices.

“I think it exposes them to careers that they might not consider typically,” said King.

Career Quest of South Central Texas is sponsored by the Blinn College District, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and ACCSS. This year’s program was funded by donations from CenterPoint Energy and The Green Door Fund.