CARTHAGE, Mo. – Last week, 30 local educators joined Carthage employers to see firsthand the industries that power the region’s economy, in a program organized by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the Carthage Chamber of Commerce, rootEd Missouri and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The two-day experience highlighted opportunities in advanced manufacturing, health care, infrastructure and public utilities, helping to deepen their knowledge of high-demand career pathways available to students close to home.
“Carthage is home to industries and institutions that not only fuel our economy but also provide strong career pathways for our young people,” said Julie Reams, president, Carthage Chamber of Commerce. “Our educators are a critical bridge, helping students understand how to prepare for these roles while also helping employers connect with the next generation of Missouri talent.”
The Carthage event is part of the statewide “Show-Me Careers” initiative, which is based on the belief that the best way to break down barriers between business and education is to bring influential educators, counselors and administrators into Missouri’s businesses. Through these experiences, education professionals gain a more robust understanding of the technical skills, behaviors and mindsets that students need to be successful in today’s professional environments, and they are able to help students graduate prepared for college, career training, apprenticeships or direct entry into the workforce.
The program featured site visits, facility tours and discussions with employers and educators on aligning career pathways with workforce needs. The agenda kicked off at Carthage Technical Center, where Dr. Gage Tiller, who helped organize the program, highlighted the center’s 12 career and technical education pathways that prepare students for certifications, dual credit opportunities and skilled careers.
Participants then toured local employers:
- H.E. Williams, Inc. – A third-generation, family-owned lighting manufacturer operating in Carthage for more than 100 years.
- Leggett & Platt IDEA Center – An engineering hub supporting innovation and product development across the global corporation.
- Carthage Water & Electric Plant (CWEP) – A community-owned utility that has served Carthage since 1898, providing reliable electric, water, wastewater and fiber internet services.
- Mercy Hospital Carthage – A clinical training space for students where nearly 300 caregivers provide care to thousands of patients annually.
“We’re proud to open our doors to local educators,” said Jeremy Hulette, human resources manager, H.E. Williams, Inc. “By showing how advanced manufacturing careers are evolving right here in Carthage, we hope to inspire students to see rewarding opportunities available to them in our community.”
“As educators, we don’t often get the chance to step inside our local businesses to see the specific skills required and opportunities they offer for our students,” said Jessica Powell, rootEd Advisor at Carthage High School. “Getting that firsthand view of local businesses showed me options I can point my students to, and helps me connect their classroom lessons to real, meaningful careers in our own community. I’m proud to learn more about the career paths available to my students right here in Carthage.”
rootEd Missouri, which partners on hosting Show-Me Career programs, places dedicated college and career advisors like Jessica in rural high schools to work one-on-one with seniors to define and create a plan for their futures, whether through a college degree, career credentials, apprenticeships or military service. Since launching in Missouri in 2018, rootEd advisors have supported more than 54,000 students across the state and today serve 174 schools statewide, reaching approximately half of all rural high schools.
The Missouri Chamber has also established Show-Me Careers summer programs in Kansas City, St. Louis, Columbia and Cape Girardeau. These experiences are full-week, comprehensive professional development externships that bring school/district teams together to learn about today’s careers and occupational pathways. In 2024, through a direct partnership with rootEd Missouri, Show-Me Careers expanded the rotation of programming to new regions including West Plains and Rolla.
About the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the largest business association in Missouri. Together with the Missouri Chamber Federation, the Missouri Chamber represents more than 75,000 employers. To learn more, go to www.mochamber.com, or follow us @MissouriChamber on X.
About rootEd Alliance
Every student should graduate high school on a path to a well-paying job and economic stability. rootEd Alliance places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools to work one-on-one with all seniors to define and create a plan for their futures, whether through a college degree, work-based learning, or military service. Launched in 2018 and now operating in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Alaska, and Idaho, rootEd advisors will serve over 20,000 students at 280 rural high schools in the 2025-2026 academic year. rootEd Alliance is made possible by a group of philanthropists, convened by BDT & MSD Partners. Learn more here.
