Bloomington, Indiana – Students and families across the Bloomington area will soon have the chance to explore what the future may hold for them beyond high school. The Hoosier Hills Career Center has announced that it will host its annual College and Career Pathway Fair on Monday, October 27, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at its campus located at 3070 N. Prow Road.
The event is designed to help young people better understand the wide range of academic and career opportunities available after graduation. Attendees will be able to connect directly with instructors, observe demonstrations in classrooms and labs, and meet with representatives from colleges, industries, and the military.
“As the Area #36 Career and Technical Education Center, Hoosier Hills integrates rigorous academics with hands-on technical training to prepare students for employment, postsecondary enrollment and enlistment,” said Christy Wrightsman, director of the Hoosier Hills Career Center. “We emphasize strong academic foundations that align with employer needs because today’s technical careers require critical thinking, an interest in continual learning, and strong communication skills.”
The career center is known for its broad range of programs that blend technical expertise with academic coursework. Students at Hoosier Hills can choose from fields such as Agriculture, Automotive Collision Repair, Automotive Technology, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Architectural and Mechanical Drafting and Design, Education Professions, Emergency Medical Services, Fire and Rescue, Health Science Education, Engineering, and Welding. Each of these programs is structured not only to build job-ready skills, but also to help students meet the academic benchmarks necessary for long-term success.
One of the key advantages of studying at Hoosier Hills is the opportunity to earn valuable credentials before even leaving high school. Many of the programs allow students to obtain industry-recognized certifications, giving them a competitive edge if they wish to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. In addition, students can take advantage of dual-credit partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College and Vincennes University, where they can earn certificates or technical credentials that count toward future college degrees.
Events like the College and Career Pathway Fair give families a close-up look at how these programs work and what they can mean for a student’s future. By engaging directly with instructors and students already enrolled in the programs, prospective students gain a clearer understanding of what daily coursework and hands-on training will look like. At the same time, conversations with colleges, businesses, and military representatives help families see the broader landscape of opportunities available after high school.
The Hoosier Hills Career Center serves as a regional hub for career and technical education. More than 600 students from six school districts currently attend, including the Monroe County Community School Corporation, Bloomfield School District, Eastern Greene Schools, MSD of Martinsville, Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation, and Spencer-Owen Community Schools. This wide regional reach makes the Career Center a vital resource for students who want to prepare for multiple postsecondary options—whether that be immediate employment, higher education, or military service.
The upcoming fair represents more than a showcase of programs; it is an invitation for students to imagine their futures and take tangible steps toward them. By placing equal emphasis on academics and technical training, Hoosier Hills aims to bridge the gap between high school learning and real-world career paths.
With employers across Indiana and the nation seeking skilled workers in growing fields, the Career Center’s approach reflects a broader shift in education—one that recognizes the importance of both college preparation and direct-to-work pathways. For families attending the fair, it will be an opportunity to see how students can leave high school not only with a diploma but with a head start on their careers.
