VOICE program gives Purdy kids career exposure
Pictured above, Brooks McNeill, with the Department of Natural Resources, speaks to kids during the VOICE program at Purdy, explaining what his career entails.
April 18, 2018
Charlea Estes-Jones
This week marked the first of a special new OACAC (Ozark Area Community Action Corporation) event to help introduce elementary-aged children to different career choices. The VOICE Experience program, which stands for Vocational Opportunities Inspiring Children in Elementary, gives kids the chance to meet professionals in a variety of careers to give them a glance at different jobs they might not otherwise be aware of. The first school in Barry County to participate in the program was Purdy.
Gail Reed, director of OACAC in Cassville, said, “I thought it was wonderful. It went very well. I was impressed with the volunteers who came to speak about their careers and impressed with the students and how they were engaged and enjoying it. I was really pleased with the whole thing.”
At the school, secondary counselor Tiffany Costello was one of the staff orchestrating the event. She said she thought the experience was really helpful based on the feedback she has received. “I thought it went well. After talking to the teachers after, we found out the kids went home and talked to their parents about it. It seemed like a really positive response and got all of the kids thinking about careers.
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Charlea Estes-Jones
This week marked the first of a special new OACAC (Ozark Area Community Action Corporation) event to help introduce elementary-aged children to different career choices. The VOICE Experience program, which stands for Vocational Opportunities Inspiring Children in Elementary, gives kids the chance to meet professionals in a variety of careers to give them a glance at different jobs they might not otherwise be aware of. The first school in Barry County to participate in the program was Purdy.
Gail Reed, director of OACAC in Cassville, said, “I thought it was wonderful. It went very well. I was impressed with the volunteers who came to speak about their careers and impressed with the students and how they were engaged and enjoying it. I was really pleased with the whole thing.”
At the school, secondary counselor Tiffany Costello was one of the staff orchestrating the event. She said she thought the experience was really helpful based on the feedback she has received. “I thought it went well. After talking to the teachers after, we found out the kids went home and talked to their parents about it. It seemed like a really positive response and got all of the kids thinking about careers.
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