Pathway to Careers returns Oct. 27th to share region’s career options with high schoolers

The future of our communities depends upon a skilled, well-educated workforce ready and able to take on the jobs of tomorrow. The Northland Foundation’s KIDS PLUS Pathway to Careers connects the region’s high school students with regional employers, workforce development organizations, and higher education to get up-close-and-personal knowledge of career options and the training needed to achieve their goals.

The first Pathway to Careers event was held in October 2013. More than 1,100 high school students and their adult chaperones, keynote speakers, breakout workshop presenters, and 60 interactive exhibits on the expo floor electrified the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

“The Expo was out of this world for engaging students. The ‘hands on’ aspect was critical; they got to feel what a career might be like,” said James Pavlek, an advisor at Floodwood School, following the 2013 Pathway to Careers.

Schools and exhibitors immediately began asking when the next Pathway to Careers would be, and a date is set: October 27, 2015.

Starting on a high note

This year 1,600 participants from all across northeastern Minnesota and Superior/Douglas County, Wisconsin are expected to attend. The day’s agenda will be better than ever, building upon lessons learned during the 2013 event.

Students and chaperones will arrive at the DECC by bus in the morning, be registered by the lead chaperone, and enjoy a buffet breakfast before entering Symphony Hall for the welcome and presentation by nationally known trainer, Eric Chester.

Expo and workshops

Students will then break into groups to attend the first of their two selected industry sector workshops or hit the expo. Groups will rotate through workshops and the expo giving all the attendees time and opportunities to connect with workshop speakers and exhibitors. All exhibitors are required to have an interactive feature! Every student will be able to attend two breakout sessions in their indicated areas of interest as well as participate in the expo. Lunch and snacks are provided.

New! Business lunch program

One new feature is a luncheon presentation geared toward business people. Eric Chester will share key information on “Generation Why” and give strategies for attracting and successfully engaging both younger and older generations in their workplace.

More details to come

Save-the-date postcards will be mailed to schools in April with follow up in May and again in the first weeks of school. Exhibitor information will become available online or by emailing the Northland Foundation as well. Registration for the Eric Chester business lunch presentation will begin later in the summer. Watch for details. If you have questions now, please contact the Northland Foundation.

 

See what all the excitement is about:
2013 Pathway to Careers Video

WE NEED YOU!

If your organization is interested in exhibiting and/or sponsoring the 2015 Pathway to Careers, please email the Northland Foundation. Watch our website for sponsorship and booth reservation details.

Thanks to sponsor and exhibitor support, this valuable learning opportunity is free for students and school districts.