8th Grade Career Pathway Fairs

In the State of Tennessee, students are required to complete at least three credits in one CTE Pathway or the ROTC, Fine Arts, or AP Pathways. The middle school career pathway fair was designed to help 8th-grade students choose a high school pathway using their YouScience Aptitude and Interest Assessment results.

Through YouScience, 8th graders have a more in-depth look at what skills they possess, what careers correlate with those skills, and the 8th grade career pathway fair shows them which high school classes can prepare them for a particular occupation.

By exposing students to their high school options before they pick their classes, parents and students are able to make more informed choices related to the educational and career choices that are available.

How It Works

8th graders are assigned four CTE pathway study areas from their zoned high school based on their YouScience aptitude and interest assessment. Students receive three aptitude assignments and one interest assignment.

On the day of the event, students rotate between classes and participate in sessions featuring CTE students, one CTE instructor, and one Rutherford County industry partner.

During the session, they receive information on what the high school pathway encompasses and potential careers in that pathway. During this time, students are encouraged to take notes, ask questions and discuss the day with parents, so they are well-prepared for the freshman class selection process.

View Available Pathways

The 2027 8th Grade Career Pathway Fairs will take place at all Rutherford County Schools starting in early February.

During the pathway fairs, 8th-grade students rotate between classes and participate in sessions featuring high school Career & Technical (CTE) education students, CTE teachers, and working professionals.