As part of the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee program of work, third grade students will spend the morning of Oct. 16 learning about different careers. However, instead of sitting in the classroom, students will be sitting in fire trucks, police cars, cranes, farm equipment and a variety of other specialized vehicles for the Chamber’s Third GEAR program. Third GEAR stands for Third Grade Employment Activity Recess.

“This is a new project within our overall workforce development strategy,” said Theresa Lamson, Chamber president. “A truly comprehensive workforce development program focuses on K-12 programming and finding common areas for links between the business and education systems. This is one of those links.”

Students will travel to Pate Stadium in two groups, and each group will learn about different careers and vehicles over a two hour period. Businesses representatives with large or specialized vehicles are invited to participate by showcasing their vehicle(s) and careers. “Through the hands-on approach to the unique machinery and equipment used in various career fields, children are open to learning about the jobs and people who perform these jobs throughout our county,” Lamson said.

The program’s transportation and food costs are being partially deferred through contributions from several local financial institutions: BB&T, RBC Bank, Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company and WoodForest National Bank.

“These organizations realize the importance of exposing young students to different career opportunities,” said Matt Kendall, program director. “It’s this support that makes it possible to put initiatives like this in place.”

Business participants will need to be set up by 8:30 a.m., and will receive a light breakfast and lunch for their time. For more information about Third GEAR, call the chamber at 276-7420.