The York County Regional Chamber Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the 2026–2027 WOW! (World of Work) Tour, an initiative that introduces middle school students across the Catawba Region to the exciting career opportunities available right here in our community.

As part of LIFT (Leadership Institute for Talent), WOW! is led by the York County Regional Chamber Foundation in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) Regional Workforce Advisor for the Catawba Region and the South Carolina Regional Career Specialist. Together, these partners are helping students connect classroom learning with real-world careers through engaging, hands-on experiences.

Early Career Awareness in Action

Career exploration shouldn't begin in high school—it starts much earlier. WOW! helps students discover their interests, explore career pathways, and better understand the skills needed for future success.

During each WOW! event, students participate in:

• Hands-on career exploration aligned with South Carolina's 14 Career Clusters through immersive virtual reality experiences.
• Interactive sessions focused on communication, teamwork, and financial literacy.
• Career expos where students engage directly with local employers and learn about careers available in York County.

These experiences help students answer important questions about their future while giving employers the opportunity to inspire the next generation of talent.

One student summed up the impact best after experiencing a virtual reality career simulation:

"It gave me a new perspective of what these people do every day."

2026–2027 WOW! Tour Schedule

• October 30, 2026 – Castle Heights Middle School (Rock Hill)
• November 13, 2026 – Clover Middle School (Clover)
• November 20, 2026 – York Middle School (York)
• December 11, 2026 – Andrew Jackson Middle School (Kershaw)
• January 22, 2027 – Rawlinson Road Middle School (Rock Hill)
• January 29, 2027 – Roosevelt Middle School (Clover) (New School!)
• February 12, 2027 – Sullivan Middle School (Rock Hill)
• February 26, 2027 – School to be announced
• March 12, 2027 – Oakridge Middle School (Clover)
• March 19, 2027 – School to be announced

Be Part of Building Tomorrow's Workforce

WOW! is only possible because of the businesses and organizations willing to invest their time and expertise in our students. By participating, your company can showcase career opportunities, inspire future employees, and help students better understand the many pathways available after graduation.

If your organization would like to participate in one or more WOW! events during the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage you to complete the interest form and join us in shaping the future workforce of York County.

Don't miss your opportunity to connect with the future talent of our region. Together, we can help students discover what's possible—and build a stronger workforce for tomorrow.