HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Cullman County sophomores got a firsthand look at future career possibilities during Wallace State Community College’s annual Showcase event on Tuesday, March 17.
The event is a partnership between Wallace State and Cullman County Schools, designed to introduce 10th-grade students to campus and academic and technical programs before they begin their junior year.
“This gives them an opportunity to see what all we have to offer before their 10th-grade year ends,” said Lauren Wilson, director of Dual Enrollment at Wallace State. “Even if they choose not to do Dual Enrollment, it still gives them an idea of the programs available right here in their own county.”
During the Showcase, students rotated through a wide range of program areas, including all health sciences, applied technologies and academic pathways. Representatives from each department were present, greeting the students and answering any questions, providing demonstrations and sharing information about potential careers.
Hands-on experiences are a major component to the event and help make it memorable and successful. In the nursing simulation center, students can interact with medical equipment used in fields such as radiology, dental hygiene and physical therapy. Applied technology programs such as welding, automotive technology, machining and robotics also offer live demonstrations and interactive opportunities.
“I think a lot of times, especially at this age, students may not know exactly what a program does. This lets them see the equipment, watch demonstrations and really picture themselves in that field,” said Wilson.
According to Wilson, the event often has a huge impact on shaping students’ future decisions about the pathway they choose.
“A lot of our students who decide to come here for Dual Enrollment say this day helped them choose their path,” she said. “They remember what they saw and experienced, and that’s what leads them to pursue a specific program.”
The Showcase also demonstrates how Wallace State’s programs align with workforce needs across the state. Wilson acknowledged a growing demand for healthcare workers as populations age and a continued need in technical fields such as automotive and machine tool technology.
“We have industries right here in Cullman County and nearby areas like Huntsville that are constantly asking for workers,” she said. “Our goal is to connect students with those opportunities and help place them in jobs after graduation.”
Students who discover an interest during the event are encouraged to follow up with their respective school counselors to help guide them through the Dual Enrollment application process and connect them with Wallace State staff to begin planning for fall classes.
