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 Hosts 4th Annual

8^th Grade Career Field Trip

March 16, 2026- The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 4th 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.

This immersive experience connected students directly with area employers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a variety of industries right here in the South Haven community. Students toured local manufacturers Vibracoustic, Shurco, and FoodTools, along with South Haven Area Emergency Services, gaining valuable insight into day-to-day operations. Throughout the visits, students heard directly from professionals about their roles, career paths, and the skills needed to succeed in each field helping bring future opportunities into clearer focus.

The experience comes at an important time for 8th grade students as they begin making decisions about their high school schedules and thinking more intentionally about their futures. Many students are also exploring programs like those offered through the Van Buren Tech Center as they consider potential career pathways.

The 8th Grade Career Field Trip is part of the Chamber’s Youth Connections Program, which focuses on building meaningful connections between students and the local business community. By introducing young people to career pathways early on, the program helps inspire future goals while supporting the long-term vitality of South Haven’s workforce.

Through initiatives like the 8th Grade Career Field Trip, the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce continues its commitment to strengthening the connection between education and industry, investing in students today to support a thriving community tomorrow.

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.