Dozens of students smiled as they chatted with their potential career coaches, the majority of whom represented local businesses or Forsyth County Schools’ many career pathways.

Though the middle schoolers still have years before they enter the workforce or pursue post-secondary education, their excitement buzzed in the air at Friday morning’s FCS College and Career Fair, which was held at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.

By 11 a.m., the event, now in its second year, had already seen more than 1,500 local students, their bus drivers braving Friday’s falling snow to bring students to the event.

“The rising ninth graders are choosing which career pathways they are going to study so we have all pathways represented along with local businesses that match up with that pathway,” said Debra Moore, FCS Career Development Coordinator. “For instance, for the healthcare pathways, Northside Hospital and other businesses are alongside to answer questions those students [may have] about that specific career.”

Though not every school offers every pathway, in total, there are more than 25 options throughout the five traditional, brick-and-mortar high schools for students to choose from.

Denmark High School, the county’s newest high school, which is slated to open in August 2018, will offer 11 pathways, including a first-ever veterinary science option.

While students are not required to choose a pathway as part of their high school experience, FCS career development coordinator Dianna King said it’s highly encouraged.

In part, that’s why local businesses attended Friday’s event, Moore said.

“Our business community has been really wonderful to jump on board and to want to assist our students in helping select their career pathways,” she said, “and that’s really nice.”

King said though FCS has a high graduation rate districtwide – 2017 numbers recorded a 94.4 percent graduation rate — the number is even higher for students in career pathways.

“I think it’s over 98 percent for those who are in a career pathway,” she said. “It provides a hands-on experience, which is great, even if the students don’t go into that field. It’s just a really good thing.”

For information regarding the pathways offered throughout Forsyth County High Schools, visit forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/39458.