Paper mill provides immersive career day

American Eagle Paper Mills, in partnership with The Challenge Program, Inc. (TCP), hosted its first-ever Immersive Career Day at Altoona High School, giving students an engaging, hands-on look at careers in the paper industry.

An Immersive Career Day connects students with real-world careers through interactive stations, workplace simulations, and direct engagement with industry professionals. American Eagle Paper Mills brought this concept to life by offering students the opportunity to create their own piece of paper—from pulp to final product—mirroring a key part of the mill’s daily operations.

“This event is all about making careers real and tangible for students,” said Jillian Tocco, Senior Marketing Manager at The Challenge Program, Inc. “We want them to see that their future can start right here in their own community.”

Through this experience, students not only explored the papermaking process but also gained insight into the science, engineering, and collaboration behind it. Team members from American Eagle Paper Mills shared information about career paths within the company and the broader manufacturing industry. A post-event survey indicated that a few students expressed interest in future employment with the company, demonstrating the potential long-term impact of these real-world career connections.