Career and college fair introduces students from smaller MPS schools to new opportunities

Our two new career and college readiness coordinators for Minneapolis Public Schools contract alternative schools – Jessica Bedward and Haley Wireman-Sobba – recently organized a career and college fair that connected 65 students with local colleges, training programs and employers. For many students, this was their first opportunity to talk one-on-one with education reps and local companies as they prepare for life after high school.

MPS contract alternatives allow students to choose the kind of learning environment that works best for them. Many of these schools are small, with limited staff resources that don’t allow for the same level of career and college exploration and planning support that is common in larger schools.

“We were so excited to introduce young people to such a great variety of postsecondary schools, training opportunities and local companies,” says Jessica. “It’s so important for students to meet and talk with adults from our community who can provide first-hand information about career opportunities and the kind of training or education it takes to get there.”  

Our great thanks to our participating education and training programs, including the Aveda Institute, Avivo, Hennepin Tech, Hired, Juxtaposition Arts, Minneapolis College, Moler Barber School, North Hennepin, Takoda, Trio and Saint Paul College. Employers at the event included AmeriCorps, the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin Healthcare, Horizon Roofing, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation and Mall of America.

Learn more about our career and college readiness work in Minneapolis and Saint Paul public high schools.