The 2022-23 3E Campaign to get upperclassmen thinking about their future recently kicked off at Indian Lake High School.
Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ben Vollrath and Karen Sorreles from the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center both spoke to juniors and seniors during the event at ILHS.
They discussed the importance of students using the final years of high school to decide their E — Enroll, Enlist or Employ. Each pupil is tasked with deciding whether to enroll to further their education, enlist in the military or become employed locally.
Vollrath explained that this is the third full year for the 3E program in Logan County and they are even more focused on helping families make sound decisions with their young adults.
“That’s one of the shifts this year, we’re also targeting our community and our parents. We’re going to be spending some time with families at financial aid nights to talk to them about what alternative pathways there may be for their kids. Even bringing in businesses to talk about ‘hey, if you go the employment route, we’ll help pay for your school.’”
Vollrath continued, “We know that’s one of the biggest challenges is that kids get to college and now they’re saddled with debt. So how do we help with that and make sure that kids end up in the right spot?”
Sorreles unveiled a list of events throughout the year designed to help students decide their E including:
• College Day — Sept. 30
• Manufacturing Day —Oct. 13
• Enlistment Week —Nov. 7-14
• Power Pace Speed Interviews — February 2023
• Career Expo — March 2023; and
• 3E Signing Week — April 2023.
In addition, there will also be monthly career speakers at ILHS.
Like last year, ILHS will also spotlight students weekly who have chosen their E.
The 3E initiative is an effort by the Logan County Collaborative, which includes the Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce, local schools, area employers and more.