Some 800 students took the next step toward their futures on Friday as they learned more about careers available to them in the area.

The Next Step Covington County Career Expo was held at the Kiwanis Community Center, and students from Andalusia, Florala, Opp, Pleasant Home, Red Level and Straughn took advantage of the hands-on, interactive career exploration led by local career professionals.

Eighty businesses, teachers, counselors, career coaches, principals and school superintendents participated.

Polly DuBose, career coach for Andalusia City Schools and Opp City Schools, said Friday’s event was a huge success for the entire county.

“We had vast community support,” she said. “All three superintendents were so supportive. All six high schools participated.”

DuBose said what makes their career expo stand out above the rest is the interactive, engaging tools businesses used to illustrate their fields.

Covington County Schools Career Coach Beth Dean said she was happy with the turn out and the booths.

“I really liked that people showed up with interactive booths,” she said. “There were some really captivating exhibits. Our businesses out did themselves.”

“We want our students to have careers and families in Covington County,” Dubose said.

Lurleen B. Wallace Community College brought all of its career technical programs to the expo.

Additionally, David Craft of the Aviation School, which is part of Enterprise State Community College, brought his local students to the fair to help interact with local students.

“Students were able to connect with students from their own schools,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if my program doesn’t grow as a result of this.”

Craft said it’s good to see more interested in aviation.

“That will allow us to bring in more aviation jobs to the area,” he said. “It’s good for the whole community.”

There were 12 stations from which students were able to get an idea of what they may want to study.

Stations ranged from science and technology to real world to finance, marketing, sales and service, health science, human services, hospitality, community, education, business administration, information tech, architecture and construction, agriculture, public safety, manufacturing and transportation, military and more.