More than 1,500 students from 5 to 20 years old converged on College of the Canyons on April 26 for the first Discovering Careers-2008, a hands-on approach to career exploration.

The event was sponsored by the Santa Clarita Valley School & Business Alliance, the Wm. S. Hart Union High School District, all local elementary school districts and business volunteers from more than 40 companies.

Many of the students came with parents, swelling the crowd to well over 2,000 participants.

The students came to find out what people do in a multitude of careers, and businesses did not disappoint them. Exhibitors represented a broad spectrum of career-technical fields.

Tying into the hands-on expo format of the event, businesses brought trucks, welding gear, gymnastics sets, robots, computers, cameras and lots of stimulating interactive exhibits that kids could see in operation. There were also professionals discussing sales, entrepreneurship, fashion, finance, health and government, including Santa Clarita's Mayor Bob Kellar.

Students had questions, and table sponsors provided the answers. "By the end of the event, everyone had a bag of goodies and a lot to think about," said Ron Rudzinski, event chair. "Students will be returning to school this week and talking about this for some time."

"This event had people of all backgrounds come together on a Saturday morning to explore career options for students after they finish school. It exceeded all expectations," said Paul Priesz, principal of Valencia High School and chair of the School & Business Alliance. "The parents were delighted to see so many businesses helping their kids plan their careers and the kids had a wonderful time. It's further proof that Santa Clarita is a great place to work and raise a family."

Rudzinski anticipates that many more companies will want to participate next year and many of the students will want to come back and bring their friends. "Clearly that's a sign of a successful event," he concluded.

To learn more about Discovering Careers-2008 or to be placed on an interest list to participate next year, go to www.hartdistict.org/discover or call 661-259-0033, ext. 526.