On March 18, the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with LEAD (Logan Economic Alliance for Development), successfully hosted the inaugural EDGE Encounter, an all-day, hands-on career exploration event for local eighth grade students.
The EDGE Encounter marks the first of a five-year workforce development initiative, designed to guide students from middle school through graduation with continued exposure to career pathways, skill-building opportunities, and local employers. This year’s event was also made possible through a valued partnership with the Todd County Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the power of regional collaboration.
A total of 430 students from Logan County Schools, Todd County Schools, and Russellville Independent Schools attended the event, which was designed to introduce young people to the wide range of career opportunities available in Logan and Todd counties.
To accommodate all participating schools, the event was held in two sessions, ensuring each student had meaningful, hands-on engagement time. Throughout the day, students rotated through six career pathway areas, where 50 local businesses and organizations provided interactive demonstrations and real-world insights into their industries.
From operating equipment to engaging in problem-solving activities, students experienced firsthand what different careers look like in action. Each student went home with event swag and, more importantly, a greater understanding of potential career paths in Logan County and beyond. The success of the EDGE Encounter would not have been possible without the support of 46 dedicated community volunteers, who helped ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the future of EDGE and the opportunity to grow this event and expand its impact for students and businesses alike.
Thank you to our event partners for making this experience possible: H&H Sheetmetal (Co-Title Sponsor), PTL Fabricators(Co-Title Sponsor), Kentucky Chamber – Bus to Business, OTS Logistics, Logan County Schools, Russellville Independent Schools, Todd County Chamber of Commerce, SKYCTC, Todd County Fiscal Court, Todd County Schools, Logan County Fiscal Court, and Gerald Printing.