More than 3,200 eighth graders from six Modesto-area school districts filled the Modesto Junior College ACE Pavilion on December 2 for the fourth annual Inspire Youth, Inspire Dreams Expo, a high-energy, hands-on career exploration day hosted by Modesto City Schools and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce.
Students from Modesto City Schools, Salida Union, Sylvan Union, Shiloh, Empire Union, and Hart-Ransom Union school districts attended this year’s event, which featured dozens of interactive exhibits and industry partners from across the region.
Helping Students See Their Future Path
The Expo plays a key role in Modesto City Schools’ Map Your Mission College and Career Readiness initiative, which gives students the tools to explore their strengths, interests, and future options.
“Inspire Youth, Inspire Dreams helps students envision what their future can look like before they even enter high school,” said Superintendent Dr. Vanessa Buitrago. “When students see how their interests connect to real opportunities in our community, they gain confidence and a clearer sense of purpose as they begin their journey through high school.”
In the weeks leading up to the Expo, eighth graders completed career exploration lessons that helped them identify the types of industries and career paths they might want to learn more about. Many arrived ready with questions and were eager to see how their passions could connect to real careers.
CTE Pathways Come to Life
The Expo showcased 15 industry sectors and more than a dozen Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including:
Students moved through the pavilion with event Map Your Mission “passports,” visiting booths, trying out equipment, completing hands-on challenges, and collecting stamps and small prizes along the way. A highlight was a custom lowrider car built by Modesto High School automotive students in partnership with the Modesto Police Department, a standout example of how real-world learning comes alive in MCS classrooms.
“Eighth grade is a key moment for students to start seeing how their interests connect to real options in high school and beyond,” said Rachelle Barkus, Senior Director of Educational Options. “When students can talk directly with professionals and current CTE students, it makes the idea of a future career real and within reach.”
Students Leading the Way
One of the most memorable aspects of this year’s event was the way high school CTE students confidently stepped into leadership roles. They staffed the booths, demonstrated equipment, answered questions, and shared what they’ve learned in their pathways.
Their engagement added authenticity and energy to the day.
“My favorite part of the event was seeing our high school students confidently running every booth and display. They enthusiastically shared the benefits of their programs and lit up as they talked with younger students about their real-world experiences and growth,” said Mike Rich, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction and Professional Development.
Teachers from across the participating districts took the opportunity to observe, connect, and celebrate the meaningful learning taking place all around them.
A-G Connections: Blending College Prep with Hands-On Learning
Many CTE pathways offered in Modesto City Schools meet A–G requirements, allowing students to take hands-on, applied courses while still completing the academic classes required for UC and CSU admission.
Whether they’re applying chemistry in culinary arts, building mathematical reasoning in construction, or exploring physics through automotive technology, students see firsthand how academic concepts come alive in CTE.
This reinforces a central message of Map Your Mission: There is more than one path to being college- and career-ready, and students thrive when they find the path that fits them best.
A Community Effort Creating Opportunity
The Expo was made possible through the collaboration of teachers, CTE staff, local employers, community partners, and volunteers who shared their expertise with students. Their participation helps build a strong connection between education and the region's workforce and shows students that meaningful opportunities exist right here in the Central Valley.
A Launching Point for What Comes Next
As Eighth graders begin planning their high school courses, Inspire Youth, Inspire Dreams gives them a memorable and motivating place to start. With hands-on exposure, real conversations, and a clearer understanding of Map Your Mission and CTE pathways, students left the Expo inspired, informed, and excited for what comes next.
