Local Students Explore Careers Through Scouting America Exploring Program
On December 6 students from TrekNorth High School, Bemidji High School and Voyageurs Expeditionary High School visited local employers and education sites as part of the Scouting America Exploring program. The tours gave students hands on exposure to career paths in construction, technical education, language immersion, broadcasting and airport operations, strengthening school employer connections and informing future training choices.
Students and adult mentors participated in a series of career exploration visits across Bemidji on December 6 under the Scouting America Exploring program. The group toured Knife River Materials, MI2 at Northwest Technical College, Concordia Language Villages, Paul Bunyan Broadcasting and the Bemidji Regional Airport Authority. The program provided high schoolers with on site observation and workplace activities intended to help them preview potential careers.
The visits connected classroom learning to local industries, offering tangible examples of jobs in construction materials, technical trades, language and cultural services, media production and aviation management. MI2 at Northwest Technical College showcased technical education pathways that align with regional workforce needs, while Knife River Materials demonstrated operations common to the construction and aggregates sector. Concordia Language Villages exposed students to language immersion programming and associated service careers, and Paul Bunyan Broadcasting illustrated roles in local media. The Bemidji Regional Airport Authority presented airport operations and aviation support functions, broadening awareness of transportation related employment in the county.
Adult mentors accompanied students to support engagement and to bridge school and workplace expectations. Accompanying photos show students interacting with staff, touring facilities and participating in demonstrations. For local residents, the program serves as an early workforce development tool that can influence course selection, vocational training choices and postsecondary planning. Stronger ties between schools and employers also create opportunities for internships, apprenticeships and future hiring that address local labor demands.
By giving students direct exposure to a range of careers, the Exploring program aims to help young people make more informed decisions about education and employment while providing local businesses a clearer pipeline to future talent. Continued collaboration between schools and area employers will be important for aligning training programs with the county economy and for retaining skilled workers in Beltrami County.
