The Orchard Foundation, The Rapides Foundation and the nine public school districts in Central Louisiana held the ninth annual Students Exploring Career Opportunities Wednesday and Thursday at the Ned Randolph Riverfront Center in downtown Alexandria.
SECO is an interactive career expo for 10th- and 12th-grade students designed to introduce them to career possibilities available in Central Louisiana and what the requirements are for those careers so they can be better informed when choosing a career path.
Students get to experience simulations and hands-on activities at a variety of stations staffed by area businesses. The goal is to foster student engagement and ultimately spark an interest in future careers.
Approximately 2,500 students came from 47 schools across Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn parishes. The event was held for public, private and home-schooled students.
Cenla businesses were recruited to set up interactive exhibits to represent various career clusters. Through participation in SECO, business and community leaders play an active role in helping students make informed career decisions, while making a long-term investment for a better Cenla workforce in the future. More than 60 businesses participated.
The event is funded by The Rapides Foundation.
