Grayslake Community High School District 127 - We empower all learners to launch their futures through relevant, engaging, authentic learning.

Grayslake Community High School District 127 is thrilled to highlight the success of the recent Career Navig8 event, which received coverage in the Chicago Tribune, showcasing an exciting opportunity for Lake County students to dive into potential career paths. Held at the Lake County Fairgrounds, this interactive event welcomed 4,200 middle and high school students, bringing together over 100 area businesses to offer students a first-hand look into various career fields.

The Navig8 event, designed to be more than a traditional career fair, featured immersive experiences across several industry sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, and technology. “We didn’t want this to be a pass-a-piece-of-paper-type of event,” explained Gina Schuyler, D127’s Administrator for Careers and Community Partnerships. “Our goal was to get students thinking about their passions and what they could physically experience in different jobs as they start planning their futures.”

Throughout the day, students explored career options and tried out hands-on activities like live welding demonstrations, virtual reality simulations, and even spending time with animals from local farms. Jeff Miller from Liberty Prairie Farm and D127 CTE Teacher, captivated students with a small pen of goats, giving them a glimpse into the world of agriculture and sparking curiosity about farming and animal care. “There’s a lot of creativity in farming, and it’s rewarding work outside and with animals,” Miller shared, noting that many students may not have much exposure to agriculture. Miller teaches “Engineering a Sustainable Future,” an integral course within D127’s Agricultural Pathway.

Navig8 also addresses an important economic need, helping to build a workforce pipeline that connects local schools and businesses. According to Kimberly Wimer, HR manager at Laser Precision and chair of the Lake County Workforce Development Board, the event shows students a range of opportunities in industries they may not yet know about. “The next generation is the base of future economic development. They don’t know what they don’t know, and events like this expand their awareness,” Wimer explained.

Grayslake Middle School Principal Marcus Smith also shared that the students’ reactions were overwhelmingly positive, especially around the live welding table. “They were able to see so many different types of careers,” he said, underscoring the event’s success in broadening students’ perspectives about future job options.

As D127 continues to foster career exploration and community connections, Navig8 demonstrates the power of hands-on learning in helping students discover their passions and gain a clearer vision for their futures.

To read the full Chicago Tribune article and see the event highlights, click here.