May 29, 2019

Student clubs and organizations can help participants explore careers in business, health sciences, culinary arts and more. But maybe even more importantly, these clubs help students develop the skills necessary for success in college and career including communication, leadership and the ability to work together as a team.

Umatilla High School offers a variety of clubs that help students explore STEM subjects, including the Technology Student Association (TSA) and FIRST Robotics Competition team. In both organizations, competitions allow members to apply technology and engineering skills in challenging and innovative ways while working individually and as a team.

“Robotics helps gear up kids for the future by showing them all the different careers out there, and by giving them the opportunity to explore them," said Anthony Ibarra, a senior at Umatilla High School.

In addition to competing in business-related challenges like finance and hospitality, Klamath Union High School's DECA program explores career options while touring businesses.

Oakridge Junior/Senior High School added a culinary club to their extracurricular activities this year, giving students hands-on experience in the culinary arts.

Middle school students at Chiloquin Junior/Senior High School learn about careers in the health sciences as part of On Track OHSU!

Elgin High School has an active FFA program that hosts a variety of career and leadership development events covering everything from public speaking to livestock evaluation. Their program also operates two student-run businesses: growing over 4,000 flowering annuals for a community plant sale and a fabrication business that specializes in plasma cut and laser engraved custom orders.

Elgin's FBLA program also help students prepare for careers. "FBLA allows members to develop confidence, teaches them professional skills, and exposes them to potential career paths," said Katie Griffin, the FBLA Adviser at Elgin High School. "Through the training, conferences, and competitions that FBLA offers, members learn the value of effective communication and the importance of creating and sustaining relationships. This is an organization that truly propels members down a path for success."