Hamilton County Schools Opens ‘Hands-On’ Career Center for Middle Schoolers
Graphic Courtesy of Hamilton County Schools
In The Know with Gino…
Hamilton County Schools opened a new downtown Chattanooga center earlier this week where middle school students can explore careers through interactive activities and simulations.
The Career Exploration Center, located at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center, will initially host sixth graders. It can accommodate up to 60 students at once, with 15 stations designed for small-group rotations.
Activities introduce students to fields including engineering, culinary arts, criminal justice and entrepreneurship. The automotive station, for example, features part of a Volkswagen car and a touchscreen that lets students examine the engine area. The exhibits connect to programs of study offered at district high schools and Tennessee career pathways.
The center’s first student visit is planned for October 26th. The experience is intended to show how classroom subjects such as math and science apply beyond school. Middle school is an important time for students to begin considering their interests, especially since many have not yet encountered the full range of careers available.
The center is part of the district’s broader career-education approach, which introduces career concepts in elementary school, expands exploration in middle school and provides hands-on experience in high school.
The project cost about $1 million. A state Innovative Schools Model grant provided approximately $600,000 for equipment and supplies, while about $300,000 came from the county’s school facilities capital improvement bond. Federal Perkins grant funding will support staffing and transportation. Community and industry partners, including Volkswagen and EPB, also contributed.
The Franklin-Roberts site is the district’s third Future Ready Center. The district’s website says it is expected to launch in the 2028–29 school year.
