Paris Junior College welcomed more than 30 Hunt County students to its second annual Youth Career Exploration Camp, held June 8–11, 2026. The four-day camp, offered free of charge to participants, gave students an up-close look at high-demand career fields through hands-on, interactive experiences led by PJC faculty and staff.
The camp was made possible through funding from Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, whose support allowed PJC to remove cost as a barrier and open the door for local students to explore career pathways available right in their own community.
Throughout the week, students rotated through interactive activities in a wide range of technical and health science programs, including HVAC, mechatronics, electrical, aviation, EMS/paramedicine, nursing, sonography, radiology, and certified nursing assistant/surgical technology. Each session gave campers the chance to work with the same equipment, labs, and simulation tools used by PJC students training for these careers today.
Beyond career exploration, the camp equipped students with practical professional skills to carry forward. Participants took part in resume writing workshops, interview preparation, professional networking exercises, and career planning sessions designed to help them connect their interests to a clear path after high school.
” By giving students the chance to experience these careers firsthand and interact with industry professionals, we’re helping them build confidence while introducing them to the education and training pathways available right here in our community.” said Leah Dykes, Director of Business and Industry Training.
The Youth Career Exploration Camp reflects Paris Junior College’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Northeast Texas workforce by connecting students with in-demand career fields early — and showing them that the training they need is close to home.
For more information about programs at Paris Junior College, visit parisjc.edu
