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The first ever grades 6-12 Career Fair at Newark High School November 28th was a success, drawing more than 100 people to the event in the gymnasium that featured about 40 different businesses, agencies, trade unions and college representatives.
High School and Middle School students, parents and guardians were encouraged to attend the 90-minute fair to learn more about careers as well as college opportunities in the area.
Julia Solan, NCSD Family Outreach & Community Schools Coordinator and Newark Middle School counselor Jessica Orchard planned the event.
“This was a wonderful example of our community coming together to support our youth and their aspirations for professional opportunities beyond the classroom setting. This couldn't have happened without the help of my co-organizer, Jessica Orchard and the support from our administration,” Solan said. “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the 40 vendors that volunteered their time to showcase their careers and lend expertise to our students and families. We had about 50-60 students and their families come out to explore and learn about the different career pathway. As students, families and vendors were wrapping up their evening, there were many positive comments from all involved.
Orchard shared similar insights.
“I was so excited to see so many of our local organizations in the gymnasium all together to provide information on opportunities for employment to our students and their families. I was even more excited to see those students and families together engaging in meaningful conversations around their future planning with our local employers. Also, it was really nice to hear from our students that they were unaware there were so many different jobs they could do right here in this area. It really highlights the value of bringing together our community and showcasing all the great opportunities that are available! I hope this event is something that will only grow larger in the years to come!”
Solan said there was a form provided to attendees and vendors to provide feedback on the event.
• When asked if they would like this event to be held again in the future, every respondent answered ‘yes.”
• When asked for one word to describe the Career Fair, answers included: “Excellent opportunity, educational, informative and a great experience for kids and adults alike.”
• When asked what was the best part of the event, the consensus was that vendors were “extremely welcoming to everyone that sought information from them and that it was great to learn about so many career opportunities,”
Solan said holding the Career Fair was part of the District’s Strategic Plan to provide more educational opportunities for parents and students and to get more local businesses and agencies involved in the school district.
“We’d like to give a special thank you to Marshall Exteriors CEO Anthony Natale for donating pizza and water for the event. We are looking forward to hosting this event next year and only hope for it to grow in size for our community,” she said.