Students filled the large gymnasium for the annual College and Career Fair. The event offered students and community members a chance to explore post-graduation opportunities, whether through higher education or entering the workforce. Upon entering the gym, visitors were greeted by colorful displays, informational booths, and enthusiastic representatives from both colleges and career programs. Tables lined the gym floor with banners, brochures, and even small giveaways like pens, bags, and lanyards to attract attention and provide useful resources. Colleges such as Stony Brook University, Pace University, Molloy University, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and Suffolk County Community College were present. In addition to the colleges present, trade schools and career programs like, The Learn Center, the National Guard, the U.S. Marines, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office provided options for students interested in jumping straight into a career.
“There are so many different paths, not just traditional colleges, but trade schools I hadn’t even considered before,” said senior Nicholas Belletti, “It helped me feel more confident about going into a career of engineering.”
For many students, the fair was a great opportunity to learn about colleges that offered specific majors and programs of interest. Representatives from each school provided personalized guidance, answered questions, and encouraged students to stay in touch, often reminding them that these representatives might be the very people reviewing their college applications in the near future. Some booths were especially interactive, featuring QR codes linking to digital resources and course lists. These features allowed students to save information for later and learn more about colleges or careers that matched their goals.
“This really gave me a lot of information about different schools and career paths,” said junior Elif Bak. “But seeing all the colorful booths with information that I’m interested in really stood out to me, like I enjoyed reading the posters and info about Molloy University.”
While college booths made up the majority of the event, several career-related organizations were also available to discuss future job options. However, most required students to have a high school diploma and be over the age of 18, limiting immediate opportunities for current high schoolers. Only one career booth at the event was actively offering positions to high school students, including entry level roles with potential for advancement. This gave students a glimpse into real world employment while also allowing them to explore how jobs can grow into careers.
Whether students choose a four-year college, community college, trade school, or direct entry into the workforce, the mix of colleges and career options ensured that all students had something to walk away with.
“My plans after high school is to figure out my nursing career but this fair has shown me new opportunities like instead of doing nursing school I can become a sheriff and work in the sheriff department,” said junior Stephanie Joya Gamez.”
As students left the fair with brochures in hand and new ideas about their futures, the message was clear, there are many paths to success, and events like this help students to succeed and achieve the absolute best!
