David Cooley

Nearly 200 eighth-grade students from schools supported by Catholic Inner-city Schools Education (CISE) took part in the inaugural CISE Career Exposition “A Hero’s Journey” on Monday, Nov. 24 at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The event featured more than 30 Cincinnati industry partners providing interactive introductions to high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, construction, healthcare, public safety, information technology, and civil service.

Since many CISE students may be the first in their families to graduate from high school or pursue postsecondary education, early career exposure helps them make connections between education and opportunity. It also builds confidence and helps students identify strengths that can shape future goals.

This event was part of CISE’s expanding focus in early workforce readiness and Career and Technical Education (CTE), led by Dr. Mari K. Thomas, CISE Career Navigator and Workforce Intermediary. The goal is to help students build confidence, curiosity, and clarity about career pathways as they prepare for high school and beyond.

“Early exposure to the world of work helps students discover their strengths and expand their understanding of what is possible,” said Dr. Thomas. “We want every student to leave this event feeling like the hero of their own story, capable and inspired to move toward their future.”

The students rotated through two floors of hands-on career stations led by Cincinnati industry partners, including: UC Health, Cincinnati police and fire departments, Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership, Allied Construction Industries, JB Steel, Duke Energy, The Health Collaborative, Tech Prep, INTERalliance, and many more.

Jaylen, a student from Corryville Catholic, said that the healthcare stations were her favorite.

“I liked the station with the bodies, where I had to save their life,” she said. “I plan on going into nursing because I like helping kids and people. I don’t know what type of nurse yet, but something that has to do with kids and helping them.”

Jaylen’s classmate, William, said that the career expo was fun but also important.

“It’s important because you can experience the job without going through the process of actually doing it, to see if you actually like it or not,” he said.

Two students from St. Francis de Sales, Peyton and Kennedy, agreed.

“Sometimes students don’t know what they want to do after high school or what they want to learn during high school,” Peyton said. “Events like these help students learn about different careers, especially ones that seem interesting to them.”

“I feel like this event is very important for students, because, like Peyton said, not a lot of kids know what they want to be,” said Kennedy. “I’m sure everyone has ideas when they’re younger, but getting to see stuff like this, you realize you have more options—your mind isn’t limited.”

Along with Corryville Catholic and St. Francis de Sales, students from Holy Family, Romero Academy at Resurrection, St. Boniface, St. Cecilia, St. Francis Seraph, St. Lawrence, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. William participated.

Joanne Browarsky, principal at St Francis de Sales and Walnut Hills, said that she was very excited about the students taking part in the career expo.

“Kids are going to be drawn in part toward what they’re interested in, and what they’re exposed to. So, I think the exposure piece, being able to have that professional dialogue with people in the industry, is huge,” she said.

“My hope is that the students come away with confidence. I really liked how the opening speaker told them, ‘You could be somebody’s hero one day.’ I want them to have the confidence to see themselves on the other side of that table at an event like this in the future.”

Browarsky said she was grateful to CISE for organizing the day and hopes this will become an annual event.

CISE (Catholic Inner-city Schools Education) helps students from Cincinnati’s urban core access a high-quality values-based Catholic education and the support they need to thrive. CISE prepares students for success in college, career, and life. The organization supports 12 elementary schools and awards merit-based scholarships for students to attend Catholic high schools across Greater Cincinnati. Learn more at https://cisekids.org/.