The Oneonta City School District welcomed hundreds of second and third grade students today for its first-ever Elementary Career Fair, an exciting new event designed to introduce young learners to the many career opportunities that exist within their own community.
Held at the Oneonta Boys & Girls Club, the event was organized by school counselors Sarah Herger of Greater Plains Elementary School, Athena Leverock of Riverside Elementary School, and Kate Hoffman of Valleyview Elementary School. The trio began discussing ideas more than a year ago alongside Maizy Jaklitsch, OCSD staff development specialist, and worked together to bring the event to life through partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, parents, and volunteers.
Utilizing both gymnasiums and the outdoor parking area, the career fair transformed the Boys & Girls Club into a hands-on learning experience where students could explore a wide variety of professions. Each career station gave students the opportunity to meet professionals, ask questions, view tools and equipment, and learn more about what different jobs involve.
Over 20 career fields were represented at the event. Students had opportunities to interact with police officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, financial specialists, accountants, engineers, electricians, business owners, real estate professionals, musicians, artists, photographers and media specialists, hairstylists, fitness instructors, educators, animal welfare advocates, fish hatchery managers, highway workers, and many others.
The counseling team intentionally focused on second and third grade students when developing the event. While older students have opportunities such as BOCES career exploration programs and younger students often learn about community helpers in the classroom, organizers recognized a unique opportunity to provide career exposure for elementary students who may not otherwise experience a large-scale career event. The goal was to introduce students to a wide variety of professions and help them begin thinking about future possibilities while connecting classroom learning to real-world careers.
Throughout the morning, students explored emergency vehicles, examined specialized equipment, learned about different educational pathways, and engaged in conversations with professionals from across Otsego County and beyond. The event encouraged curiosity, sparked questions, and provided students with a firsthand look at careers they may never have encountered before.
The success of the inaugural Elementary Career Fair was made possible through the generosity of dozens of volunteers who donated their time and expertise to inspire the next generation. Community members from a wide range of industries came together to share their experiences and demonstrate how their work contributes to the community.
The Oneonta City School District extends its sincere appreciation to the Oneonta Boys & Girls Club for providing the venue and to every volunteer, business, organization, and community partner who helped make the event possible. Their support created a memorable experience that encouraged students to explore big dreams and bright futures.
GO 'JACKETS!
