2008 B.I.T.E. Day A Success!

The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership’s 16th annual Business/Industry/Teaching/Exchange (B.I.T.E.) Day program took place Oct. 3. Sponsored by Hinds Community College Tech Prep and IKON Office Solutions, B.I.T.E. Day gave selected 10th and 11th grade students first-hand experience in exploring career opportunities that await them in the near future.  

Students arrived at Northwest Jackson Middle School to hear from world-renowned speaker Jason Dorsey. Talking about the challenges he experienced with regard to overcoming adversity, Dorsey spoke candidly about entering high school as one of the shortest kids in his class. Growing up in a rural community, Dorsey said being short was just one of the small challenges he faced. Now at age 30, he travels the globe to talk with students about overcoming challenges to become a success.

After the opening session, students, teachers, and volunteers loaded onto buses headed for 11 different companies to tour sites that aligned with students’ career interests. Participating businesses included Hinds Community College-Nursing Allied Health, The Convention Center, Jackson Arts Alliance, Hinds Community College-Automotive Services, Spann Elementary, Peters Real Estate, Sal & Mookies, Regions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, WLBT, and Eaton Aerospace.

The program, which began in 1993, was piloted with the Jackson Public School District’s eight high schools, Career Development Center, and business leaders. The program is a student-centered approach to career education and is organized by the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership’s Education Committee.

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