Career Opportunities On Location, also known as COOL Week, provides a chance for students to experience a week in a job setting relating to their intended field of study. During Feb. 4-8, students who were chosen earlier this month will be placed in a business or agency, depending on their skills and interests listed on their application. Approximately 40 students have applied for this opportunity.

“It is a great opportunity for students to explore possible careers,” transition coordinator Sarah Spradling said. “Sometimes it even helps students cross careers off their list.”

Students will be assigned to work sites in groups, depending on the business or agency. They will undergo the job application process, job shadowing and a formal presentation.

Senior Allison Carruthers will spend the week at Side by Side Kids, a non-profit organization. Previously, Carruthers has volunteered with Side by Side Kids by participating in several kickball Saturdays, where kids were invited to play kickball for free at a public park. Over the summer, she was an assistant counselor and worked with fourth through sixth grade girls.

“I’m super excited to do COOL Week. I’ve worked with Side by Side before and I’m excited to spend the week with them,” Carruthers said. “I wanted to see opportunities related to social work, but I wasn’t sure if confidentiality issues might be a problem.”

Student Sammy McCuller will go to NASA in Houston for COOL Week along with senior David Martinez.

“I’m pretty excited. I’m looking forward to it,” McCuller said. “I’m going to major in aerospace engineering.”

Some of the businesses and agencies students will be attending are Hill Country News, radio station 101X, National Instruments, Texan Surgery Center, and Texas Film Commission.