Designed for Engagement. Built for Impact.

Educators are essential partners in helping students make meaningful connections between classroom learning and future careers. The Career ChoICE Youth Expo provides the structure, tools, and support needed to ensure that educators’ and students’ experiences are smooth, educational and inspiring.

Resources for Educators

  • Template letter for parents/students 
  • Customizable lesson plans and career discussion prompts
  • Step-by-step visit planning checklist
  • On-site logistics assistance and centralized check-in

2024-2025 CAREER CHOICE BOOKLET

SUBMIT A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

These profiles showcase young professionals who are building their careers right here in our community. By sharing their experiences, students can learn what different jobs are really like, discover what inspired these professionals, and see the many paths that lead to success. Our goal is to help you explore career options and connect with real stories from people who were once in your shoes.

What Students Can Expect

  • Hands-on career experiences with real tools and technologies
  • One-on-one interactions with professionals from across the region
  • Exposure to postsecondary programs, training optoins, and regional employers
  • Take-home Career ChoICE booklet filled with facts, salaries, and pathways

 
"Career ChoICE is my favorite event. I enjoy seeing the middle-schoolers and the high-schoolers engage with companies, businesses and organizations. It is hands-on. They get to experience, ask questions and learn more."
Audia Harris / AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, IALR
"It’s good for me to see the students happy. They come to our table smiling, wanting to learn. We show them our hands-on demo, and they think it’s extremely cool."
Kayla Roman / Process Engineer, Arkema
"We’re trying to show students that manufacturing can be fun and that there’s a mission behind it."
Wesley Cifers / Assistant Director, Advanced Training & Operations, IALR
"The Career Expo showed me there are a lot of career options to choose from and things that are fun."
Christian Childress / Gretna High School Student
"We have had several students who came through here and ended up coming through our program. Anybody we can get enrolled is a huge success for us."
Meghan Price / Clinical Instructor, Sovah School of Health Professions, Radiologic Technology Program
"Over the years, we’ve gotten kids from the career expo that went on to be firefighters with the city."
Shelby Irving / Fire Marshal, Danville Fire Department
"“We want our students to have as many pathways as possible. I don’t want young people to think they’re pigeonholed into a certain occupation. Young people need to be able to dream and have a vision. That’s why Martinsville City Schools brings our students to the Career ChoICE Youth Expo…"
Zebedee Talley Jr., Ed.D. / Superintendent, Martinsville City Schools
2025 Career Choice Recap Thousands of Students Connect with Regional Employers