Local High School Career Forum: bright futures available for all

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The School Liaison Office here hosted the second annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) High School Career Forum Apr. 8, 2015, highlighting the numerous possible career choices available to local students.

The event offered students from 11 high schools in three different school districts the chance to see what multiple agencies on base do and how these career choices can have positive effects in both military and civilian life. The students made multiple stops to learn about things from engineering to becoming an air traffic controller.

The 16 students toured the 319th Civil Engineer squadron as their first stop. Here they learned the capabilities the military and civilian engineer's possess and what they have accomplished over the last few years.

Afterward was a tour of the fire department, showcasing how the firefighters work as a team to combat multiple emergencies around the base. From living quarters to speed dressing into firefighter uniforms, the group saw an all-around sight of a "day in the life" of a firefighter on Grand Forks AFB.

"We want to be able to showcase cutting edge careers available to high school students after they graduate," said Kelly Painter, school liaison officer at Grand Forks AFB.

Near the end of the day, the group went to view the high-speed world of the base air traffic control tower. While there they witnessed the vigorous yet rewarding regimen that goes into being an air traffic controller.

To finish off the tour, a visit to one of the base's RQ-4 Global Hawks was presented for not only a short brief on the aircraft's capabilities, but also how it impacts not just the base, but people in a deployed environment as well.

"It was interesting to see the base," said Gia Vann, a sophomore at East Grand Forks High School. "I really want to join the military and this helped me see more of that life; the fire department was cool and the aircraft were awesome to see."

After the event, the students were dropped off back at the main gate where they left with a new mindset of what the Air Force can offer them and how Grand Forks AFB completes its mission on a day-to-day basis proficiently.

"The students were excited; they were able to see these things they have never seen before and we hope to expand this program to more school districts in the local area next year," said Painter.