New education and career expo will help 1,500 area 10th-11th graders find their path

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When 1,000 to 2,000 members of the future labor pool connect with higher education providers and major employers of the region, that is a sweet spot. KIDS PLUS Pathway to Careers, Northland Foundation’s newest initiative, hits that sweet spot by inviting 10th and 11th graders from throughout the region to spend the day learning first-hand about educational and career opportunities, as well as how their own skills and interests fit into the world of work.

“Pathway to Careers really hits our 'sweet spot' too, linking our decades of work in youth development with our priorities in economic development and job creation,” stated Tom Renier, President of the Northland Foundation.

Pathway to Careers will take over much of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center on October 29th. All the students will take a strengths assessment survey, participate in two workshops of their choice, and spend time visiting the expo floor. The highly anticipated event is designed to help high school students find their path to a fulfilling career.

Each exhibitor, whether an educational institution or representing an industry sector, will offer activities to engage youth and increase their understanding about different careers in a fun, hands-on way. Workshops will focus on individual career clusters such as Public Services and Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Trades, Technology and Transportation, as well as a session geared toward students who are undecided and unsure where their interests and talents lie. Highlights of the day will include the following.

• Opening session featuring an occupational assessment and inspirational message from a business leader.

• Nine interactive workshops within eight occupation and industry clusters, plus one for undecided students to explore their interests and options.

• Career Expo featuring 80 to 100 hands-on career demonstrations by corporations, businesses, trade associations, colleges, and universities covering hundreds of career possibilities available in the region.

Attendence is expected to top 1,500 students from all seven counties of northeastern Minnesota and Superior/Douglas County, Wisconsin. Information and registration materials will go out to school superintendents in early September.

“When we started sharing our ideas about developing this event, response from the higher ed community, employers, and the public sector was immediate and positive,” said Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, “and we are pleased to have on board an array of exceptional partners whose support makes this massive undertaking possible.”

For more information about this exciting event, please contact the Northland Foundation.