Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on March 12, 2026, link to article HERE.
Back Creek Valley Elementary invited James Rumsey Technical Institute (JRTI) students to visit for their Career Day on March 5, highlighting trade jobs and alternative career paths for kids. The event was organized by School Counselor Shannon Hess who wanted to create a way to highlight jobs that people don’t always think about. As she was planning for career day, she noticed how most of the jobs kids see require four-year degrees, but she knew there are so many more options for students. She thought of JRTI and the opportunities it creates for students who don’t want to go to college and are more interested in a skill trade.
“I reached out and they were so excited about the idea,” Hess said. “It was something they’ve never done before.”
They set up six stations focusing on electrical, multi-media, prostart, carpentry, robotics and cybersecurity, each run by students with fun activities to give kids a taste of what they do. Students learned about circuits, made their own pin-back buttons, made rainbow salsa, measured pieces of wood, controlled robots and learned what makes a computer work. The school also set up its own farm-to-table station, teaching kids where popcorn comes from and how its made. Students collected stamps from every station they completed in a special passport.
“Back Creek Valley students were so excited and interested in each presentation,” Hess said. “They were asking questions and so engaged. They liked seeing something they don’t usually see.”
Hess enjoyed talking with the JRTI students and learning more about why they chose their path. One of the carpentry students talked about how she joined the program because she wanted to become a Disney Imagineer and make rollercoasters. Another student told her that he didn’t want to go to college and deal with student loans so having a skill trade was the best option for him. However, Hess’ favorite part was seeing JRTI students interact with the kids.
“It was an amazing opportunity to interact with our students,” Hess said. “Some of the kids were excited to see prostart because they never knew about that opportunity. There are so many jobs we need in this area, so I hope this opened the door for them.”
Hess hopes to have JRTI come again next year to highlight even more programs, especially as JRTI continues to change and offer different opportunities. She would also like to add a station specifically about JRTI so kids can bring information home to their parents. She is thankful that JRTI wanted to work together and hopes more students learn that there are many paths to success.