September 22, 2021
High school students had the chance to try their hand at driving a truck, operating a forklift, and welding thanks to a career opportunity on the campus of High Point Academy. Be Pro Be Proud is a virtual workshop on wheels that travels to career centers across South Carolina. The 53-foot tractor-trailer features hands-on, interactive stations which simulate skilled trades. Kids can take the wheel of a semi and steer through a sea of virtual obstacles to see if they might like to consider a career in commercial driving. 
It's part of an initiative led by the Associated Industries of South Carolina Foundation to train a new generation of professionals in the workplace and replace Baby Boomers as they retire. Senior Telexus Smith said, "It was amazing! Very educational and fun." Students learn that many of these skilled jobs are high-paying, in-demand, and have long-term career prospects. Xiomaibeth Hutchesion, a senior who wants to be a chemical engineer, said, "I like to explore new opportunities. It was great."
WSPA-TV featured the Be Pro Be Proud visit on the 11 p.m. newscast.