Bedford North Lawrence High School, North Lawrence Career Center host first annual 3E Expo

BEDFORD – Students and families of Bedford North Lawrence High School and the North Lawrence Career Center were invited to attend the first-annual 3E Expo hosted on the school’s campus Thursday, April 7.

Attendees at the 3E event

The event focused on highlighting various post-graduation opportunities for middle and high school students. Attendees had the chance to explore the “3E” pathways (enrollment, enlistment, and employment) that the high school and career center offer its students as options for the next step in their lives.

“At BNL, one of our goals is to prepare every student to be successful in life. The 3E Expo is designed to provide our students and families with an opportunity to get post-graduation information,” said Laura Heavner-Walton, director of counseling at Bedford North Lawrence High School.

Attendees meeting with different vendors

The expo also offered families the chance to tour facilities available to students at the career center, as well as watch demonstrations of some of the machinery and equipment used in classrooms every day.

Representatives from several military branches were also in attendance to talk with interested students about career opportunities and the recruitment process. Local employers, businesses, and technical schools also had booths to discuss internships and full-time employment possibilities for post-graduate careers.

North Lawrence Career Center students met with K9 Scout at the event

The expo featured five breakout sessions to provide attendees with the chance to participate in in-depth conversations. The sessions covered the BNL’s Early College Program, preparing for college applications, financial aid, early awareness of the college process, and Next Level Jobs. Attendees were able to visit with the over 10 Indiana colleges and universities that participated in the college fair portion of the event.

Amy Redman, director of the North Lawrence Career Center

“The career center is proud to partner with BNL on this event. We worked to combine several ideas into a one-stop shop for our students and families to cover multiple pathways and limit the number of nights a family might normally have to spend on this sort of event,” said Amy Redman, director of the North Lawrence Career Center. “By putting all of the options under one roof, a family could help an upperclassman make a final decision about their pathway and an underclassman has an opportunity to explore the options.”

Meeting with those in attendance of the 3E Expo

At the conclusion of the event, those in attendance were encouraged to participate in a survey about the expo to gather feedback for future events. Those that completed it were placed into a drawing for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards. BNL and the Career Center plan to host the 3E Expo annually and grow the event, welcoming more representatives from local industry, colleges and universities, as well as our armed forces.

To participate next year, please contact the Career Center at 812-279-3561 or counselor Kristina Baker at bakerk@nlcs.k12.in.us.

About the North Lawrence Career Center

The mission of the North Lawrence Career Center is to prepare and inspire students by providing opportunities for career exploration, personal development, and real-world skill application, guiding students into successful futures.