The Career ChoICE Youth Expo, Southern Virginia’s premier hands-on career exploration event, is back this fall. It offers local businesses, organizations and community members an opportunity to impact our region’s future workforce. Coordinated by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Career ChoICE connects thousands of middle and high school students with local industries, highlighting the exciting career paths at home.
Two Locations, Endless Opportunities
- Sept. 17 & 18 – East at the Joan Perry Brock Center, Longwood University (Farmville)
- Oct. 1 & 2 – West at the Old Dominion Agricultural Complex (Chatham)
These events engage over 4,500 students annually from across Amelia, Buckingham, Brunswick, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward, Danville, Halifax, Henry, Martinsville, Patrick and Pittsylvania schools.
Ways to Get Involved:
Host an Interactive Exhibit
Showcase your industry to enthusiastic students through hands-on demonstrations, equipment displays, or engaging conversations. Exhibitors receive booth setup support, tables, chairs, and power access, plus breakfast and lunch. This is your chance to help students visualize future career possibilities while promoting your business’s visibility in the community.
The deadline to register for an exhibit is Sept. 3 for Career ChoICE East (Farmville) and Sept. 17 for Career ChoICE West (Chatham).
Sponsor the Expo
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo is entirely sponsor-funded, ensuring the event remains free for both exhibitors and school attendees. Your sponsorship directly covers, meals, materials, and event logistics. Multiple sponsorship levels are available, each recognized at the event and in promotional materials. Make a lasting investment in Southern Virginia’s future talent pipeline.
The sponsorship deadline is Aug. 12.
Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers are crucial for creating a welcoming and organized experience. Help guide student groups, distribute materials, or assist with logistics. No specific experience is needed—just your willingness to help. Whether you volunteer for an hour or the whole day, your involvement significantly impacts the event’s success.
The volunteer registration deadlines are Sept. 3 for Career ChoICE East (Farmville) and Sept. 17 for Career ChoICE West (Chatham).
Submit a Young Professional Profile
Highlight your organization’s emerging talent by encouraging a young professional (under 35) to share their career journey. These profiles inspire students by providing relatable examples of local individuals thriving in their chosen fields.
All Young Professional Profiles must be submitted by Aug. 12 to be considered for the printed Career ChoICE booklet.
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo aligns with 14 in-demand career clusters and features over 90 employers. It provides students with invaluable insights into local training and career pathways. Participating is simple, rewarding and impactful.
