Students explore career opportunities at Goodwill’s Job Extravaganza

GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV)- Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi helped students with diverse learning needs and abilities prepare for life after graduation through its annual hands-on Job Extravaganza.

About 150 Jackson County students participated in the event at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jackson County campus in Gautier.

Local businesses led interactive activities and demonstrations, giving students the opportunity to explore career fields and experience different types of work.

Goodwill organized the event in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and MGCCC to help students discover career possibilities. Special Education teacher Ryan Mason said, “The Links program stands for ‘linking individuals in community support.’ We’re a collaboration between the Jackson County School District and MGCCC. What we work on are helping students with special needs learn career preparatory skills. So, today they get a chance to see things like transportation, distribution, logistics. They get a chance to interact with first responders, robotics, graphic design, learning how to be a barista in a coffee shop, retail, and anything in between. So, these kinds of events are very eye opening, and not only a chance to add to their professional network, but kind of see some things they may want to do, and set some goals for their future.”

Organizers say they hope this experience helps students recognize their potential and see new possibilities for their futures.