Yelm Community Schools (YCS) aims to help students and adults of all ages explore college, career, apprenticeship, resources and education (CARE) options. That’s why the district is combining its college and career fair with its resource fair for an event called “We CARE About Your Future.”
The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Yelm High School. More than 120 employers, education programs and community resources will be available to attendees. The event is free to attend, and limited child care is available.
What separates this event from other career fairs is that it is not just for Yelm-area students looking to find their college or career path after high school. It is open to people of all ages and communities to help learn about their options, whether it be a new education path or training and employment opportunities.
The district typically hosts a college and career fair event separate from a resource fair, but district officials planning the event hope that combining the two will make the fair useful for everyone.
“We’re aiming to close the gap to give families the resources they need. It’s a showcase of all the resources that are available to not just seniors in high school looking to decide what to do after high school, but for their parents or relatives to explore their options as well,” YCS Career and Technical Education Director Teri Melone said.
“This event goes beyond being a mere career fair; it’s an opportunity for individuals to understand the diverse pathways that await them after graduation and beyond,” said YCS Superintendent Chris Woods in his superintendent’s report column in the Sept. 28 edition of the Nisqually Valley News. “By engaging with representatives from different fields, you can gain insight into the skills, qualifications and experiences required for success in various career pathways.”
Organizations in attendance include the Boys & Girls Club, Developmental Disabilities Administration, Labor & Industries, Thurston County Sheriff Office, Thurston WorkSource and more. Numerous colleges and universities, from in-state institutions to schools in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho and Massachusetts, will attend, as well.
“We want attendees to know that the world is their oyster,” Melone said.
There will also be a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math camp available to children ages 4 through fourth grade so their parents and siblings can explore the CARE event.
For the full list of organizations attending and for more information about the event, visit https://www.ycs.wednet.edu/Page/4632.
