Eighth-graders will gain valuable insight beginning next week to help them and their parents decide about career pathway classes in high school.

Through a partnership between Rutherford County Schools and the Chamber of Commerce, the eighth-grade pathway fairs are designed to help students make a more informed choice on which Career & Technical Education Pathway they plan to study during high school.

Rutherford Works will host a series of pathway fairs at middle schools throughout the county beginning next week and continuing through early December.

YouScience results will be incorporated into this year’s student planning.

YouScience is an interactive assessment used to identify students' interests and aptitudes. The school district gave the assessment to all eighth-graders during the first quarter.

Each student will pick four CTE subject areas available at their zoned school and attend a session for each of those areas with a current CTE student and instructor present the pathway along with an industry partner. 

Parents are encouraged to discuss the experience with their children to help them decide about high school courses.

Pathway Fair dates:

Eagleville: Oct. 22
Rocky Fork: Oct. 23
Thurman Francis: Oct. 23
Whitworth-Buchanan: Oct. 29
Blackman: Oct. 30
Oakland: Nov. 5
Stewarts Creek: Nov. 6
Rockvale: Nov. 12
Rock Springs: Nov. 13
Christiana: Nov. 19
La Vergne: Nov. 20
Siegel: Dec. 3
Smyrna: Dec. 4