E. J. King High School’s NTHS chapter in Sasebo, Japan has taken career development to an entirely new level by creating hands-on experiences that connect students directly with professionals, technical skills, and real-world career pathways. Through innovative programming and strong partnerships with civilian and military professionals, the chapter transformed career exploration into an engaging experience that inspired curiosity, confidence, and future planning among students.
Led by advisor Theresa Carl and student leaders within the chapter, E. J. King High School’s NTHS members focused on giving students opportunities to actively experience career readiness rather than simply hearing about it in a classroom setting. Throughout the year, monthly guest speakers from both civilian and U.S. military professions shared insight into careers such as nursing, graphic design, photography, game design, salon services, administrative careers, and emerging technology fields including artificial intelligence. These conversations helped students gain a clearer understanding of the educational and technical skills needed for a variety of careers.
One of the chapter’s most impactful accomplishments was organizing the school’s inaugural CTE Fair during CTE Month. The event brought together 38 industry leaders representing 26 Career and Technical Education pathways, creating an interactive learning experience for middle and high school students. Rather than hosting a traditional lecture-style career fair, the chapter intentionally designed the event to include demonstrations, displays, hands-on learning activities, and opportunities for direct discussion with professionals.
Students explored a wide variety of careers while watching technical skills in action and asking meaningful questions about career pathways and workplace expectations. The fair also reinforced the value of Career and Technical Education by helping students understand that CTE courses and Advanced Placement classes can successfully complement one another as part of a student’s educational journey.
Feedback from participants highlighted the tremendous impact of the event. Students shared that the fair introduced them to careers they had never previously considered and helped them better understand future possibilities. Industry professionals also praised the professionalism and organization demonstrated by the NTHS students while expressing enthusiasm about continuing to support future career readiness opportunities.
The chapter’s ability to build strong partnerships with both civilian and military professionals made these experiences even more meaningful. Through those connections, students gained access to career mentors, future guest speakers, and potential field trip opportunities that will continue expanding career exploration efforts for years to come.
E. J. King High School’s NTHS chapter is an outstanding example of how chapters can take career development activities and turn them into dynamic, engaging experiences that leave a lasting impact on students and their communities. Chapters across the country are encouraged to explore creative ways to connect students with real-world career experiences and to share those success stories through the Chapter Highlights Form so we can continue celebrating the incredible work happening in NTHS chapters nationwide.
