The Elkhart Career Center was packed on Sunday as parents and students showed up to check out the programs being offered in a range of different fields.

With 26 programs for 11th and 12th graders, ranging from law enforcement training to cosmetology classrooms, potential students had to opportunity to ask teachers all about what type of hands-on training they could get at the center.

The center’s primary requirement is that a student be passing their current academic classes and be on the path to graduation.

“People say they say I wish I had this when I was in high school. We’re opening people’s eyes to learn the opportunities here for kids to learn what is there for their futures,” says Bill Kovach, director at the career center.

Some of the programs offer credit that is transferable to colleges and universities, while other programs promise industry recognized certification upon completion.

In order to participate, students must be able to spend half-days in the program classes during their junior and senior years.