The 2025 Career ChoICE Youth Expo once again brought together thousands of middle and high school students with employers, educators and training providers from across Southern Virginia.

As they moved from station to station, students engaged directly with employers and educational providers. They explored the back of an ambulance, tried out a fighter pilot video game at the U.S. Army booth and more. These hands-on activities enabled students to explore career opportunities and envision themselves in future roles.

Organized by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Career ChoICE offered hands-on activities and direct engagement to help students envision their potential, connect with employers and explore future career pathways.

“This year marked 12 years of Career ChoICE, and it was one of our most dynamic yet. We welcomed both long-time partners and new organizations, along with students from public, private, and alternative education settings. The event continues to grow in scale and impact—connecting students to real career possibilities and helping build a stronger talent pipeline for Southern Virginia.” – Jessie Vernon, Director, Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning

The event was hosted at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex and funded by sponsor organizations. Students came from the following school divisions:

  • Danville Public Schools
  • Pittsylvania County Schools
  • Martinsville City Schools
  • Halifax County Public Schools
  • Henry County Public Schools
  • Patrick County Public Schools

More students came from Sacred Heart, Westover Christian Academy, Faith Christian Academy as well as a group of homeschooled students. Additionally, the Arc of Southside and the South Boston Hughes Center also brought individuals.

By the Numbers

  • 2,885 students from six school divisions, along with private schools, participated.
  • 65 activity stations showcased diverse industries and career options.
  • Employers and organizations represented 14 career clusters, from STEM and health sciences to manufacturing, public safety and more.
  • 1,148 high school students
  • 1,737 middle school students
  • 22 sponsor organizations
  • 227 organizational volunteers
  • 26 general volunteers

Lasting Impact

Career ChoICE isn’t just about a single event; the goal is to create lasting connections between students and regional employers and post-secondary education providers.

With the event now in its 12th year, there are more and more examples every year of students who attended the event and then went on to work with an employer who made a lasting impression on them.

“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 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

Inside the Expo

At the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, students engaged in various hands-on activities to spark interest in different industries. They operated heavy machinery through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s simulator and practiced replacing blown fuses on power poles with Danville Utilities.

“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

Healthcare providers offered mannequins for students to learn hands-only CPR while law enforcement agencies showcased specialized equipment.

IALR gave students the chance to test out virtual reality welding simulators and see 3D printers and parts that were produced with a CNC machine.

“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

Educational pathways were also highlighted with institutions such as Danville Community College, Averett University, Ferrum College, Liberty University Technical Studies, New College Institute, Patrick & Henry Community College and IALR showcasing their programs. Each student received a Career ChoICE booklet with resources on career readiness and local job opportunities.

“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

Employers and Partners

The 2025 Career ChoICE Youth Expo was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors, volunteers and the many businesses and organizations that gave their time and resources to inspire students.

These 48 organizations provided exhibits for students to learn about regional career opportunities.

  • Animal Medical Center
  • Arkema
  • Averett University (multiple departments: Arts & Humanities, Aviation, Business, Computer Science, Education, Health & Sport Science)
  • Blue Ridge Bank
  • BWX Technologies
  • Cobblestone Milk Cooperative & Southland Dairy Farmers
  • Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic
  • Dan River Basin Association
  • Danville Community College (multiple programs: Automotive, CNC, Enrollment Services)
  • Danville Fire Department
  • Danville Life Saving Crew
  • Danville Police Department
  • Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services
  • Danville Science Center
  • Danville Utilities
  • East Coast Horseshoeing School (Oct. 1 only)
  • Farm Credit of the Virginias
  • Ferrum College
  • Gray’s LAMBscaping
  • Green Rock Correctional Center
  • Henry County Sheriff’s Office
  • Hitachi Energy
  • Institute for Advanced Learning & Research – Manufacturing Advancement
  • James River Equipment
  • Liberty University- Technical Studies
  • Martinsville Police Department
  • Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation
  • Morgan Lumber Company
  • Mulberry Creek Nursing & Rehab
  • New College Institute
  • Patrick & Henry Community College (multiple activities: Electrifying, Healthcare Prep)
  • Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS)
  • Pittsylvania Career & Technical Center (multiple programs: Cosmetology, Automation & Robotics)
  • Pittsylvania County Government (Treasurer’s Office, General Government)
  • Pittsylvania County Parks & Recreation
  • Pittsylvania County Public Safety
  • Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
  • Pittsylvania Soil & Water Conservation District
  • RISE Collaborative
  • RTP Company
  • Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
  • Sovah Health (multiple activities: CPR, Residency, Pharmacy, Oncology, Ultrasonography, Radiography, “Do You See What I See?”, Bucket of Bones)
  • Tri-County Community Action Agency – Youth & Family Services
  • Tyson Foods
  • Virginia Army National Guard
  • Virginia Department of Forestry
  • Virginia Department of Transportation
  • Virginia State Police (Division VI, Area 43)