Friday, October 2, 2026
West Hempstead Secondary School juniors and seniors stepped outside the traditional classroom Sept. 17 for a day of career exploration at the Career Jam Launch at Nassau Coliseum. The students’ participation in the career exploration event was organized by West Hempstead Board of Education trustee Kurt Rockensies.
The event brought together high school students from across Nassau County with employers, mentors and professionals representing a wide range of industries. Throughout the day, West Hempstead students explored potential career paths through interactive, hands-on experiences designed to help them consider their options after high school.
Students explored the trades, tested technology and creative equipment, participated in interactive activities and connected with mentors and business representatives. The experience gave students a firsthand look at the skills, careers and opportunities available to them after high school.
Career Jam Launch is a career exploration program specifically designed for 11th- and 12th-grade students. The event highlighted a variety of pathways, including internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning experiences, full-time careers and part-time or seasonal employment. Hosted in partnership with HempsteadWorks, Career Jam connects students with local businesses and professionals while showcasing opportunities across Nassau County.
For West Hempstead students, the day was about more than simply learning about careers — it was an opportunity to experience them. Through hands-on activities and conversations with professionals, students gained insight into different industries and the possibilities available to them after graduation.
The Career Jam experience provided students with information and real-world exposure as they begin thinking about their futures, whether their next step leads to college, career training, the workforce or another path. By exploring their interests and connecting with professionals, West Hempstead students took another step toward planning for their futures.
