Student Success Story: CDC & Career Expo
On March 18, JOG hosted its annual Career Development Conference & Career Expo at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, and it was truly an inspiring day!
Over 250 JOG participants from Summit, Stark, Medina, Trumbull, and Ashland Counties came together to showcase the work readiness skills they’ve been building through JOG’s programming. Participants competed across several competitions: Students for Service, Employability Skills, Video Presentation, Cover Design, Career Preparation, Knowledge Bowl, Decision Making, Financial Literacy, Business Plan, Prepared Speaking, and Financial Budget Development. These competitions demonstrate the core competencies taught in class through the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) curriculum. Every competitor put in the work, and we are so proud of all of our competition winners.
When not competing, participants headed to the Career Expo to engage with local employers, explore industries and career paths, and even apply for jobs. This year, we welcomed over 80 employer partners to the expo floor, the most we’ve had in years! Participants practiced their soft skills, explored potential career paths, and made meaningful connections with employers from across the region. Watching our young people take charge of their futures and make those connections is what the CDC is all about.
None of this happens without the work and dedication of our Career Specialists, who work alongside our participants every step of the way, and the employer partners who invest in the workforce of tomorrow, today. A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Career Development Conference & Career Expo a success. We already can’t wait to do it all again next year!
