Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

NORTHERN ADVANTEDGE CAREER EXPO TO BE HELD OCTOBER 28

Bemidji, MN - The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) and IMPACT 20/20 are hosting the second annual Northern AdvantEdge Career Expo on October 28 at Bemidji State University's John Glas Field House. There are 1,109 high school students registered for the event from 14 schools across NMF's region.

The career expo will provide each student with a hands-on approach and exposure to various careers. Students have a great need to learn about career opportunities in Northwest Minnesota. To make connections between businesses and these future employees, NMF and IMPACT 20/20 collaborated to bring this event to high school students of all ages.

Eighty exhibitors are on deck for the event along with 18 presenters. Students will tour exhibitor booths, doing hands-on activities to introduce them to careers of interest. The students will then attend break-out sessions, where they will hear in-depth presentations from local businesses and employers.

"Our goal is to retain a talented workforce in Northwest Minnesota," said NMF Communications Specialist Ashley Johnson. "Most students have not been introduced to the opportunities available in our corner of the state. This expo will promote the trades, 2- and 4-year educational institutions, and introduce some professions that offer on-the-job training." Johnson added, "We want each student to know their options and then register for the high school courses required in their career of interest."

Local businesses, area high schools, Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College have provided invaluable support for the expo. Employers readily admit that many youth are not prepared to enter the workforce. Educators say that students often enter college, but have no career path in mind.

"School counselors are spread very thin," said Tim Flathers, IMPACT 20/20 member, "and to meet with each student individually while ensuring a career plan is in place is difficult. We are aiming to be another resource that will direct high school students toward a bright future - one without a lot of misspent time and an unsatisfying career."

A list of sponsors, exhibitors and participating schools can be found online at http://www.northernadvantedge.org.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is a public, charitable foundation serving 12 counties of Northwest Minnesota by investing resources, facilitating collaboration and promoting philanthropy. Impact 20/20 is a group of influential leaders in Northwest Minnesota representing diverse interests and working together for the region's economic success.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/27/2024 19:36