Connecting Middle School and High School students with local manufacturers and business professionals to familiarize them with potential careers and opportunities throughout Southwest Michigan.

The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and The South Haven Public Schools

8^th Grade Career Field Trip

The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 3rd Annual 8th Grade Career Field Trip for students from Baseline Middle School. This immersive event provided students with a unique opportunity to explore local career paths and engage with industry professionals.

During the field trip, students visited three local manufacturers—Vibracoustic, Spencer Manufacturing, and FoodTools—as well as, for the first time, South Haven Area Emergency Services. These site visits gave students a behind-the-scenes look at various industries, offering insight into potential career opportunities available within their own community.

The timing of this field trip was especially significant as 8th-grade students began planning their high school schedules with future career goals in mind. In addition to touring local businesses, students also explored the Van Buren Tech Center and its programs, which include pathways for earning college credits while still in high school.

The Chamber's Youth Connections Programs aim to bridge the gap between education and industry, offering students meaningful experiences that highlight the diverse career options available in South Haven. This initiative reflects the Chamber’s dedication to fostering economic development by investing in the future workforce and ensuring that local industries thrive with skilled and informed individuals. By connecting students with potential career pathways, the Chamber supports both the personal growth of young people and the long-term economic health of the South Haven community.

The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce and The South Haven Public Schools

High School Job Fair

The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Summer Job Fair at South Haven High School, providing high school students with the opportunity to connect with local businesses for summer employment. The event aimed to give students valuable experience in the workforce while helping area businesses fill essential roles for the upcoming season.

This year’s Job Fair marked an exciting milestone for many students, as for most of them, it was their first experience with a job interview and their introduction to the workforce. The Chamber invited a variety of local businesses, including those in retail, hospitality, and service industries, to participate and offer positions to these eager young job seekers.

The Summer Job Fair serves as an essential part of the Chamber’s Youth Connections Program, this event focuses on supporting local economic development by connecting students with employment opportunities. In addition to providing students with a chance to begin building their resumes, the event also allows small businesses in the community to find motivated and reliable individuals to fill crucial summer positions.

The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting business and economic development in the South Haven area. The Chamber serves as a resource for local businesses and strives to foster community growth and connection through events, programs, and initiatives like the Youth Connections Program.