YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Local students will learn about a variety of career opportunities at the Career and Trade Experience event.

For its third year, the Southwest Yuma Contractors Association plans to host hundreds of high school and middle school students.

The two-day event will feature dozens of area businesses, providing students with hands-on experience and introductions.

Over 2,500 students have registered to participate in this event.

“I really believed they would come with their classmates and check out all the booths and go eat lunch and then maybe go hang out with friends, but it turns out that's not the case. When they come back, they're researching things that are interesting to them and they're having a lot of fun,” said Stacey Green Todd, past president of the Yuma Southwest Contractors Association. Ta.

A majority of the proceeds go to the scholarship fund, and last year's event raised more than $13,000 in scholarships.

To determine this year's design, a T-shirt design contest will be held among all participating students, with proceeds going toward scholarships.

The experience will take place at the Yuma Fairgrounds and will be open to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m.