Questar III is partnering with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) and the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce along with Troy City School District and Schodack Central School District to host a Career Expo next month at Troy Middle School for students in grades 7-11. The event on October 22 is aimed at offering students an inside view of careers in fields involving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
This is the fourth year of the event, but it’s the first time Questar III has partnered with CEG and the Chamber.
The Career Expo will show parents, students, educators, and community members real-life examples of how technology and science impact many industries, as well as offer opportunities to learn about future careers.
There are also two panel discussions planned- one about careers in healthcare, and another about careers in technology fields.
Questar III Career and Technical Education recruiter Pam Mertz says events like this are important for students to help them learn the value of technology in the workplace.
“It is important to expose students as early as possible to careers that integrate technology in the workplace. It helps students understand how technology works and how advances in technology impact just about everything we do in the workplace,” said Mertz.
Schodack CSD Superintendent Bob Horan thanked Questar III, the Chamber, CEG and Troy City School District for organizing the event this year.
“The Career Expo is an outstanding event for students who want to explore emerging and traditional career fields. The presenters are engaging and do a great job of showing how they use science and technology. We make sure our students know about the Career Expo every year because it really can open their eyes to careers they might not have considered,” Horan said.
“Troy City School District is once again pleased to host this one-of-a-kind opportunity for students to learn about careers in the science and technology sector from those already in the field. This year’s event will also further the dialogue between educators and business partners in our community to ensure the curriculum and opportunities we provide helps to develop students who are college and career ready,” said Troy CSD Superintendent John Carmello.
Students from schools across Rensselaer County will be invited. Last year, over 200 people attended the expo held at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom in Troy. This year is the first year the event will be held in a school setting- with the hope of encouraging more students to attend.
The event is scheduled to run from 4:30 to 7:30pm at Troy Middle School (1976 Burdett Avenue, Troy). For more information, please contact Pamela Mertz at (518) 273-2264 or pmertz@questar.org.
