The sunny central quad of Hartnell College in Salinas hosted the annual Spring Career and Resource Fair on April 22. Hundreds of visitors attended from 11AM to 2PM to explore career opportunities and community resources. The open and free event drew not only from the Hartnell student body, but also from local schools and the community to learn about full-time & part-time jobs, internships, public resources, volunteer opportunities, and college transfer information. Silicon Valley ACS was there to describe professional opportunities based on foundations of science, and to foster everyone’s interest in the chemistry in our lives.
In addition to SVACS, welcoming participants numbered in the dozens and included the Salinas School District & YMCA, The Watsonville Nursing Center, Monterey County agencies such as medical response, the Arts Council, employment training, community hospitals & human services, food banks, and housing authority. The state and federal level had representatives from the CA Highway Patrol, Departments of Corrections, Cal State University Monterey Bay, the US Army, and the National Guard. Private companies also participated as potential employers in the electrical, construction, and automotive industries.
Silicon Valley ACS representatives Anais Nguyen, Steve Boyer, Jose Ramirez, and Jane Frommer were kept busy explaining the role of chemistry in everyone’s lives. They were joined by students from the newly formed Hartnell Chemistry Club. ACS National generously provided hand-outs and swag that drew in curious browsers.
It was an exciting and productive day for SVACS as dozens of Salinas-area residents departed knowing more about chemistry than when they arrived. SVACS is no stranger to the Hartnell Chemistry Department, having hosted activity of the SVACS Paving The Path program that advises students in the transition from community colleges to 4-year institutions. Plans are underway to facilitate Hartnell Chem Club members in joining the ACS to learn the benefit of networking and resources in a professional organization.
Submitted by Jane Frommer
