Crossroads Chamber Hosts First-Ever Middle School Alternative Career Fair

In response to Indiana’s new high school diploma requirements and the growing need to introduce students to diverse career pathways, Crossroads Chamber hosted its first-ever Your Future, Your Choice 7th & 8th grade Career Exploration event. The event, held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Great Lakes Sports Hub, brought together nearly 600 seventh- and eighth-grade students to explore career opportunities beyond the traditional four-year college route.

Designed to showcase careers requiring associate degrees, technical training, and professional certifications, the fair featured hands-on activities and insights from nearly 30 local businesses and organizations. Students from seven area middle schools—Colonel John Wheeler, Boone Grove, Robert A. Taft, Hebron, Charles N. Scott, Pierce, and Hobart—participated, gaining exposure to industries they may not otherwise encounter.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment to bring the schools, businesses, and our community together to help students navigate their future career choices,” said Roslyn Malouhos, Northwest Indiana Division Director of Junior Achievement of Chicago. “Our young people often see within a three-block radius and don’t always realize the robust opportunities here for them in Northwest Indiana.”

Representatives from local industries, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), emphasized the importance of early engagement.

“We’re happy to be here to have this opportunity to influence students at such a pivotal time in their lives and plant the seed for their future career as best we can,” said Matthew Valant, Training Director at Lake County’s JATC.

“It’s great that organizations like Crossroads are reaching out to build the bridge between the trades and the schools. We have the reputation of being the best-kept secret in Northwest Indiana, and events like these help put us in the spotlight as a viable option for students.”

Kevin Comerford, Professional Development Director of Construction Advancement Foundation, highlighted the value of preparing students ahead of high school: “What we’re actually doing is preparing these middle schoolers for the expectations of a career path that they’ll be deciding in high school. Many are starting early and getting into career trade programs in high school—knowing that as freshmen or sophomores puts them ahead.”

Deann Patena, CEO and President of Crossroads Chamber, underscored the organization’s commitment to building workforce connections early: “This event reflects our mission to bring the business community and education together for the benefit of our future workforce,” said Patena.

“By engaging students at this stage, we’re helping them see real, attainable pathways to success and strengthening the talent pipeline that supports growth throughout Northwest Indiana.”

By connecting educators, industry professionals, and young learners, Crossroads Chamber is helping pave the way for a more informed, prepared workforce that reflects the needs and opportunities of the Northwest Indiana region.

For more information about Crossroads Chamber programs and future events, visit crossroadschamber.org.