COVINGTON, Ky. — Holmes Middle School is setting their students up for success with a new career lab program designed to expose them to various career paths.

The lab features more than a dozen stations, all exposing students to professions such as video production, nursing, wielding and veterinary medicine, allowing students to swap traditional class for a more hands-on experience.

It has opened the eyes of students such as 14-year-old Marina Ball, who said she has a passion for design. 

"I've always been interested in designing clothes, modeling and business," she said. "It makes me feel good; it makes me feel like I have a lot of options in store for me.”

With the help of teachers, students such as Ball spend two weeks at a station, learning the ins and outs of different careers.

Eighth-grade teacher Kalissa Yates said programs like this are essential with the many advancements of technology. A recent study shows up to 50% of students enter college undecided and 75% change their major. 

“We must start earlier and earlier the way that technology is moving," Yates said. "It gives students a chance to see what they're interested in and what they're not so that they're not wasting time later in life."

Covington Independent Public Schools Superintendent Alvin Garrison, who helped spearhead the program's development, said it's about bridging a gap in generational poverty and lack of opportunity. 

"Our goal is to expose them to as many career opportunities as possible," Garrison said. "Once they develop an interest, hopefully their intrinsic motivation will allow them to explore more around that object and what kind of credentials they'll need to pursue their career."

Even with college still in the future, Ball said the program has already enabled her to become career-ready. 

“I think opportunities like this, especially in school, is a good first step for jobs in the future and for certain kids who aren't sure where to start," she said.