WARREN, AR – SEACBEC (Southeast Arkansas Community Based Education Center) held its annual Career Fair this week, drawing in more than 600 students from grades 8–12, including those from Warren, and on-site SEACBEC students from Hermitage, Fordyce, and Woodlawn school districts. The event provided a hands-on opportunity for students to connect with local and regional businesses and begin thinking seriously about their future careers.
The fair focused on early career exploration for younger students while offering older students a look at job opportunities available immediately after high school or through post-secondary pathways. Attendees had the chance to interact with industries ranging from healthcare to skilled trades and business, highlighting the wide range of employment possibilities in the region.
SEACBEC Director Devin McDiarmid praised the event, noting how students learned that organizations like Bradley County Medical Center and the Human Development Center offer jobs in fields such as maintenance and human resources–not just in medical care.
To help students make the most of the experience, SEACBEC offered guidance on how to attend a career fair and used an interactive “ice breaker” activity that encouraged students to visit 10 different booths and speak with professionals. The activity was designed to build communication skills and boost confidence when talking with potential employers.
Giveaways added to the excitement, with drawings sponsored by Warren School District, SEACBEC, Warren Bank & Trust, The Good News Ice Cream Shop, and Tall Tales Bait & Tackle.
SEACBEC currently offers five career-focused programs that equip students with essential job skills, with several courses already offering college credit. Beginning next school year, most programs will expand to include technical college credit opportunities–enabling students to earn credit toward entry-level degrees while still in high school. Additionally, through the ALIGN grant and a partnership with UAM College of Technology at Crossett, SEACBEC will launch a new high school Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program.
