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Guest column by Jeff Halverson

Students benefit immensely from opportunities to step out of the classroom and experience real-world environments. Over the past few months, many of our high school students have explored careers firsthand, interacted with professionals across industries, and gained a clearer vision of their futures. These experiences allow students to connect their education to meaningful possibilities and develop the confidence to navigate a variety of career pathways. These experiences are critical for helping students connect their education to a wide range of possibilities as they progress through middle and high school.

Events like the Career and College Exploration Fair at the high school provided a broad introduction to career fields, with representatives from various industries and post-secondary institutions on hand to inspire students. Similarly, the Construct Tomorrow Field Trip in Rochester allowed students to engage directly with skilled trades professionals, sparking interest in high-demand careers.

Recent college visits led by our ALHS school counselors, including trips to the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Mankato and Winona State University, helped students understand the opportunities and environments available in higher education. Additionally, the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence event at Riverland earlier this month offered students an invaluable opportunity to learn more about industry-specific training and education available to be successful in these high-demand fields. By walking through campuses and speaking with college staff, students gained valuable insights into life after high school.

In early November, ninth-grade students participated in the Made in Albert Lea tour, where they had the chance to visit local employers in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, health care and technology. This experience allowed students to explore diverse career pathways available right here in their own community, offering them a firsthand look at the various work environments and industries in the area.

For our younger learners, the grade 6 manufacturing tour at Lou-Rich and Design Ready Controls provided a glimpse into local industries, highlighting the role of advanced technology and problem-solving in production careers. High school students had the chance to explore biomedical research at the Hormel Institute, connecting science coursework to cutting-edge innovations.

Events like the upcoming Exploring Healthcare event in January at RCTC will continue to expand high school students’ horizons in meaningful ways.

These experiences are invaluable. They allow students to see the relevance of their education, discover passions and build a vision for their futures. Exposure to diverse career pathways empowers them to make informed decisions about the next steps in their journeys.

We are deeply grateful to the many local organizations and community partners who open their doors to host our students. Your willingness to share your expertise and provide learning opportunities makes a lasting difference in the lives of our learners. Together, we are inspiring the next generation to dream big and achieve more on their way to becoming engaged citizens and lifelong learners.

Jeff Halverson is a member of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Business Education Collaborative and serves as the executive director of careers, technology and innovation for the Albert Lea Area Schools.