In November, Higgins Middle School sixth-grade students participated in the first-ever "Try It Day," a career exploration event supported by WPS’s 6th Grade Innovation Partnership with Peabody Public Schools. This event was designed to give students hands-on experiences and insights into various professions, helping to spark curiosity and broaden their understanding of career possibilities within their community.
Bringing Careers to Life
Students explored the intricate designs of architects, experimented with food science techniques, and even got a glimpse of the tools and vehicles used in heavy machinery operation. One student remarked, “I liked how we got to see careers from people who are actually doing them...It was fun to sort of become one of them by doing activities.”
The event featured professionals from 12 diverse fields, including architecture, food science, heavy machinery operation, TV and radio broadcasting, cosmetology, public safety, medical writing, and environmental science. Each community partner shared their career journey, provided students with hands-on activities, and engaged in meaningful discussions about the skills, challenges, and rewards of their profession.
Students expressed curiosity about the career pathways and daily activities of the professionals they met, with practical concerns about salaries, job challenges, and educational requirements being recurring themes during Q&A.
Student Reactions
As one 6th grader summed up, “This year has been interesting because we’re learning new stuff, like… things we didn’t learn in 5th grade. We have more stuff like workshops, the Try It Day.” With 61% of students agreeing that "Try It Day" felt purposeful and meaningful, the impact of this initiative is evident. Many students shared how the experience sparked their interest in specific careers:
“Firefighters because it is cool that they risk their own lives to save others.”
“Medical writing because I love working in the medical community, it interests me so much.”
“Radio Broadcasting because I like to talk.”
“Hair stylist because I love to do hair and see all the different styles and colors.”
When asked which careers they’d like to see represented in future "Try It Day" events, creative fields, sports, healthcare, and technical trades topped the list. Other popular suggestions included culinary arts, public safety, and legal professions.
An Educator’s Perspective
Teachers were equally enthusiastic about the event’s success. One teacher commented, “The presentations were great and the kids were so excited to learn about all of the different careers! I wish we just had a whole day of career sessions so the kids could do some more exploring.” Another noted how the students’ engagement was heightened by their ability to choose sessions that interested them.
Looking Ahead
Together with the 6th grade Design Team at Higgins, we look forward to hosting future "Try It Day" events that empower students to explore the possibilities that await them. Click here to learn more about how you can be involved.
Gratitude for Community Support
Try It Day wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our community partners, who generously shared their time, expertise, and enthusiasm. Their contributions have not only inspired students but have also strengthened connections within the Peabody community: Marcy Ruggiero; Ryan Gill (Peabody Fire Dept.); Mike May and Julia Austin (Mass Hire); Emma Hughen (Ipswich River Watershed Association); Chris Lanning (ROTC) ; Darguin Fortuna (Flow Design) ; Alicia Bernardo (SV Design); Paul Elias (Peabody Post Office); Stephanie Agneta (The Salon CC); Randyll Collum (Peabody TV); Kim Wilkinson (Medical Writer); Zainab Shekoni (Offor); Officer Ricci (Peabody Police Department) and Joshua Liao (Bay State Milling Company).
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The WPS Institute creates innovative programs and partnerships to transform learning. We advance models of schooling where learning thrives everywhere, in classrooms and beyond; where students and their families are empowered to shape their own educational journeys; and where entire communities contribute to the development of young people.