By Isabella Dino
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
On Sept. 26, Rim of the World High School hosted their annual College and Career Fair in the school’s new gym, an event designed to assist students as they consider their future paths.
Aydan, an 11th grade student who attended the fair, initially walked into the gymnasium unsure of which path to pursue after high school – and walked out leaving with a newfound sense of certainty.
“With it being my second-to-last year of high school, the pressure to decide on what I’m going to do after I graduate has been increasing, especially since I’m still not sure exactly what I want yet,” said Aydan. “But coming here really helped me narrow down my decision.”
The fair brought together a diverse array of educational institutions and career opportunities, allowing students to explore options that align with their interests and aspirations, or ones that they haven’t considered before
Showcasing further education
The gym at Rim of the World High School was bustling with activity as students talked with the multitude of vendors who participated in the College and Career Fair.
Representing the college side of college and career, California State University, San Bernardino was on hand to highlight their cybersecurity program. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has surged, making this field an attractive option for students interested in both technology and security. CSUSB’s cybersecurity team engaged students with interactive demonstrations featuring a ground-scaling robot and informative discussions about the various career paths within the cybersecurity landscape.
Additionally, Crafton Hills College showcased its diverse array of programs, particularly emphasizing community college pathways. With options ranging from associate degrees to vocational training, Crafton Hills College provides students with flexible opportunities to gain skills necessary for the workforce or to continue their education at a four-year institution. They also are offering a concurrent enrollment program, allowing students to earn college credit alongside their high school education.
Trade school and career opportunities
The fair also highlighted the value of trade schools and career-focused pathways, with Twin Peaks Auto Service representing this vital sector. As the automotive industry continues to grow and evolve, skilled technicians are in high demand. Twin Peaks Auto Service displayed the opportunities available in the automotive field, encouraging students to explore vocational training. By emphasizing the benefits of entering the workforce directly after acquiring technical skills, they showed students a viable alternative to traditional four-year college pathways.
Military and public service careers
San Bernardino County Fire and the U.S. Forest Service brought some of their vehicles for students to look at.
To provide insights into military and public service options, representatives from the Air Force, Army and the local fire department were present. The Air Force representatives explained the diverse roles available, from technical positions to leadership opportunities, emphasizing the educational benefits, such as tuition assistance and specialized training, that come with military service. Meanwhile, the fire service representatives detailed the importance and constant demand of their work. They encouraged students to consider how a career in fire and rescue can lead to making a significant impact in their communities and a fulfilling life of helping others.
Rim of the World High School’s College and Career Fair successfully provided students with valuable resources and information about their future. By bringing together academic institutions, along with trade representatives and military personnel, the fair showcased a broad spectrum of possibilities for one’s future. Students left with a better understanding of the educational and career paths available to them, empowering them to make informed decisions about what to pursue ahead of them.
Stephanie Phillips, the CTE coordinator who organized the fair, said students commented that the fair was “insightful and interesting.” They were thankful for those who came to share information with them and gained insight into the college application process.
Isabella Dino, a senior at Rim of the World High School, is currently the president of the school’s Literature Club. She will be writing about events and programs at the school throughout this school year.
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