The event is designed to connect middle school students with real people working in a wide variety of industries, giving students a chance to ask questions, hear personal stories, and learn about different paths to success.
More than 550 students and 32 vendors participated in last year’s event, which organizers say was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from students.
“This was the first time that I assisted in this event,” organizer Heather Stodiec shared. “The students thought it was awesome.”
This year, organizers are expanding the experience with more interactive booths, additional vendors, student prizes, refreshments, and improved scheduling to allow students to visit booths by grade level.
Students are especially interested in careers such as welding, construction, plumbing, law enforcement, culinary arts, coding, gaming systems, and law, though organizers say they hope to expose students to as many career options as possible.
The event is also intended to challenge the idea that there is only one path to success after high school.
“It has been great for the students to see what is out there early in their educational career and that they do not have to take the traditional college route to get involved in a career,” Stodiec said.
Organizers are encouraging local business owners, managers, tradespeople, public agencies, colleges, and community organizations to participate and share their experiences with students.
In addition to learning about careers, students will also practice professional communication skills by engaging directly with vendors, asking prepared questions, and creating thank-you cards for participants.
This year’s event will also include support from student clubs and the school’s PAES lab students, who will assist with setup, refreshments, and vendor coordination throughout the day.
Organizers say the long-term goal is to continue building stronger connections between local students and the community workforce while helping students begin thinking about their futures earlier.
Community members interested in participating in future years can contact organizer Heather Stodiec at:
[email protected]
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Until next time,
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”