Nearly 3,000 Cumberland County Schools (CCS) students 'walked into opportunity' on Friday at the 2025 CTE Career Pathway Fair, held at the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center. Hosted by CCS Career and Technical Education, the event welcomed students in grades 5-12 to engage with over 200 local employers, educational institutions and agencies, offering them a firsthand look at potential career paths.

The fair officially kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by members of the Cumberland County Board of Education, community leaders and representatives from Workforce Empowerment Business Sponsors Cape Fear Valley Health and Chemours.

From hands-on demonstrations to one-on-one conversations with professionals, the fair was designed to inspire and inform, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Industries represented included healthcare, public safety, agriculture, business, education, engineering, technology and the trades.

"The purpose of the CCS Career Pathway Fair is simple but powerful," said the district's CTE Executive Director Chip Lucas in a press release. "Connecting students directly with industry professionals, colleges and training programs helps them envision their futures and take the first steps toward success."