Career Source Central Florida celebrated students from Umatilla High School for completing seven to 10 weeks of Career Express. Students at Umatilla High visited local employers including the Clermont Police Department, Niagara Water Bottling, Lake County Transit, UF Health, Mission Inn Resort, Leesburg Airport, Advent Health, Lake County Government, and Wolverine Advanced Materials. 

Students in Sumter County visited CEMEX, Sumter County Government, Sumter Electric (SECO), The Villages Health, Sumter Sheriff Department & Clerk of Courts and T&D Concrete.

High School Career Express is a career exploration program for high school juniors and seniors that bridges the gap between education and employment. Over the course of seven to 10 weeks, students would be integrated directly with local employers through site visits, mentoring and interactive experiences to build practical skills to expand their professional networks and gain a clearer understanding of the career pathways available after graduation with the help of United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties.

Since its launch in Orange County in 2024, HSCE has demonstrated measurable impact on student engagement and confidence:

• 9 out of 10 students value career exploration more after participating in HSCE
• 96% satisfaction rate, with 97% recommending the program to peers
• Interest in community college and vocational training more than doubled following participation
• Three out of four students report increased confidence in choosing a career path

“I’m so proud of these students, they could have chosen to not participate in these programs because of the time and effort,” Marclea DeFaria, Vice President of Development of Career Source Central, Florida says. “They have this great experience of exploring different opportunities, even if it’s an industry they may not be interested in right now, they stuck with it.”

Additionally, through the program, students at South Sumter High School, Wildwood Middle High School and Sumter Prep Academy are gaining access to hands-on career exploration in high-growth industries, preparing them to make more informed decisions about their future. The program connects students with real-world career experiences and prepares the next generation of talent.

The program expansion into Sumter County is made possible in part through a grant from Suncoast Credit Union whose commitment to improving students’ lives includes supporting the program and providing financial literacy resources to participants.

“What an amazing celebration of the past nine weeks,” Yolanda Green Business Engagement Representative for Lake County says. “I am grateful to be part of an initiative that continues to engage our community and support students as they grow, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward their future.”