LA PUENTE, CA – An industrial engineer turned on the ignition of the near silent engine of a hydrogen-powered car as Don Julian Elementary students poked their heads inside the hood of the car to touch the cool engine.

“The fact the car runs on hydrogen is really cool and inspires me to learn more about it,” fifth-grader Manuel Morales said. “I like this kind of technology – it’s really interesting.”

Third- through fifth-grade Don Julian students learned about jobs from industry professionals ranging from hydrogen-car engineers to chiropractic practitioners during the school’s second annual Career Day on March 7. Professionals shared stories on how they became interested in their careers and how they got started.

“Students had valuable one-on-one time with professionals in a variety of fields to learn the importance of continuing their education after high school,” Principal Martha Arceo said. “They learned that no matter what challenges they face, they will be able to reach their dreams if they continue to work toward their goals.”

Arceo gave presentations on her own path to becoming a principal and showed students how to navigate university websites and do their own research on financial aid, classes and programs to discover which college path suits their career path.

Schools throughout Bassett Unified hold individual career days to encourage students at an early age to discover their college and career goals. A District career fair will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at Bassett Adult School, allowing students and community members to explore employment options and connect with local employers.

“Our District is focused on engaging our students at an early age with a variety of careers so that they have a stronger idea on what path to take in high school and beyond,” Superintendent Dr. Alex Rojas said. “Our students leave career days empowered to pursue their own dreams by interacting with successful individuals from their own community.”

PHOTOS:

041817_BASSETT_CAREERDAY1: Don Julian Elementary fifth-grader Manuel Morales (center) reaches out to touch the cool engine of a hydrogen car after hearing a presentation from an industrial engineer at the school’s second annual career day.

041817_BASSETT_CAREERDAY2: Marketing coordinator Karina Rodriguez answers questions from Don Julian Elementary students about her profession during the school’s second annual career day.