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2,600 freshmen attended district Freshman Career Expo; Phoenix Raceway donated venue and partners included Microsoft and postsecondary institutions
Summary
District staff debriefed the board on a Freshman Career Expo that drew more than 2,600 students, 80 industry and postsecondary partners and substantial transportation coordination; the event is a cornerstone of the district's academy transformation to expose freshmen to career pathways early
Agua Fria Union High School District administrators told the board Oct. 1 that the district’s Freshman Career Expo drew more than 2,600 students and 80 industry, postsecondary and municipal partners.
The event — a workforce-exploration fair intended to introduce ninth-graders to career pathways — was hosted at no cost by Phoenix Raceway, which also assisted with parking and logistics, according to the district presentation. Students moved through partner booths with a passport system to log engagement; partners demonstrated hands-on equipment and materials and provided work-based-learning information.
District staff emphasized the scale of transportation coordination. Peggy Overton and Christina Sills were credited with arranging multiple bus waves; at peak times, staff said at least 25 buses were transporting students. Work-based learning staff Marcy Baca was noted as the project manager.
Student-choice awards highlighted partners that students found most engaging; Microsoft and several entertainment and inspiration partners received recognition. The presenter said the expo helps freshmen narrow pathway choices ahead of January program selection for their sophomore year.
Board members attending said they were impressed by student engagement and by the district’s partnerships with business and higher-education institutions.
Ending — The district described the Freshman Career Expo as a foundational event for academy and pathway engagement and said further postsecondary and pathway visits will continue through the school year.
