Students from West Springfield recently had the opportunity to participate in the Fort Belvoir Growing Your Career Fair, hosted at the National Museum of the Army. Over 20 students and faculty sponsors were enabled to participated in the event through the Educate Fairfax grant awarded to West Springfield's Career and Transition Instructional Services Department. 

The event was a networking career and education fair offering transitioning service for military members, military spouses, dependents and veterans, and giving participants the opportunity to connect with career enhancement programs, certification programs, employer sponsored internships, fellowships and degree programs.

In regards to student participation, the Growing Your Career Fair targeted military-connected students, juniors and seniors; but any WSHS student was welcome to attend. Participating students were exposed to available apprenticeships, internships and mentoring, potentially resulting in walking out of the fair with a job or internship role for next summer in their anticipated future career field! Additionally, there were ten colleges and universities present at the fair.

This was the first event of its kind hosted by Fort Belvoir. While students were there specifically for the Career Fair, several Spartan students took advantage of the venue to explore many of the excellent exhibits at the Museum, many saying they intended to return just to spend more time learning about the history of our Army. Event organizers thanked our school for allowing students to participate, indicating they would be hosting similar events in the future.