There’s a Place for You at Career ChoICE

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo is made possible through support from local businesses, schools, parents and organizations. Whether you’re an employer, educator or community member, there are simple ways to get involved and help students learn about real career options.

we welcome participation in the following areas:

  • Activity submissions
  • Volunteer registration
  • Sponsorship commitments
  • Young professional profiles

Career ChoICE 2026 dates will be announced in the early summer.

2024 Career Choice Recap Story Read More

 

Ways to Contribute 

 

Exhibit

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo is a fantastic opportunity for your organization to showcase the hands-on careers and pathways it offers. Exhibiting allows students to get an up-close look at your industry, whether through interactive activities, equipment demonstrations or meaningful conversations with professionals.

It doesn’t have to be overly complex; students truly enjoy seeing real-world tools, trying things for themselves and hearing directly from the people who do the work every day. Exhibitors are provided with a booth, a table, and access to electricity upon request.

We recommend having at least two team members present who enjoy engaging with students and can speak about your organization’s work and day-to-day operations. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore career paths, and imagine their future. Sometimes, all it takes is one positive interaction to spark a student’s confidence and ambition.

Register to Exhibit

 

 

Sponsorship

Sponsorship plays a key role in keeping the Career ChoICE Youth Expo accessible to all students. Your support helps cover critical event costs like transportation, meals, materials and logistics, allowing schools to participate at no cost.

Sponsorship is a meaningful way to invest in our region’s future workforce and help students explore career opportunities close to home.

We offer several sponsorship levels, and all sponsors are recognized at the event and in both print and digital materials. More importantly, your contribution creates real opportunities for students to discover careers they may not have otherwise considered. Whether you’re a small business looking to give back or a larger company ready to make a big impact, we’d love to work with you.

Forms can still be submitted; however, please note that we are not actively seeking sponsors or exhibitors at this time.

Sponsorship Information 

 

 

Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to making the event run smoothly and ensuring students have a positive, memorable experience. From welcoming attendees and handing out backpacks to guiding groups and supporting logistics, volunteers help create an organized and engaging environment throughout the day.

No specific experience is required, just a willingness to help and a positive attitude. Individuals and company teams are both encouraged to get involved. We provide clear instructions and a brief orientation in advance, and we’re happy to work around your availability.

Whether you can assist for an hour or stay for the entire day, your time and support will make a meaningful difference.

Volunteer at the Career ChoICE Youth Expo 

"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 Story Read More

Want to know more about Career ChoICE?