ESSDACK welcomed 5,600 students from 82 Kansas school districts at the 5th annual Career Expo hosted at the Kansas State Fairgrounds November 1-2, 2022.
High school students engaged with 200 exhibitors including colleges, businesses and public service. The Career Expo gives businesses the opportunity to advise students directly, address the shortage of qualified employees, and align highschool expectations with industry needs.
"ESSDACK created this event to help students understand their career options after high school and the skills required for high-wage, high-demand jobs,” said Bryan Rohling, Career Expo project lead. “Unlike your typical college or job fair, we've brought employers and colleges together to inform students about all of their options, right here in Kansas."
The most popular booths had interactive, hands-on activities for students. Students were able to check out a forklift from Holman Logistics, do pull-ups for the U.S. Marines, perform surgery with Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, and see an all-electric car from WSUTech.
ESSDACK appreciates the hard work all of the exhibitors put into their booth spaces.
“Our motto for this event is ‘students cannot be what they cannot see,’” said Joni Clark-Leiker, Career Expo teacher/student liaison. “We created activities for students to complete before, during and after the event to ensure they had the best experience possible.”
Students traveled from all over the state to attend the Career Expo, some traveling over 3 hours to get to the fairgrounds.
“We were very excited so many small, rural school districts decided to participate,” said Clark-Leiker. “We want all high school students to experience what career opportunities are available in Kansas.”
ESSDACK plans to host the event again at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in November of 2023.