Andrew Langston and Northwest Middle Schools bring together dozens of professionals to inspire students during collaborative career day

Rochester, New York – Students at Andrew Langston Middle School and Northwest Middle School spent a recent school day looking far beyond their classrooms. Instead of textbooks and routine lessons, the focus turned toward the future—careers, possibilities, and the many paths that could lie ahead.

On Thursday, March 19, the two schools joined forces to host a large Career Day event at the Douglass Campus. The gathering brought together more than 70 professionals representing a wide range of fields. From healthcare and education to technology and skilled trades, the professionals shared stories about their work and the steps it took to reach their positions.

The goal was simple but meaningful: help young students begin imagining their future.

Among the many guests who attended were Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and several representatives from public radio and television. Their presence added a unique element to the event and caught the attention of many students, particularly those who grew up watching well-known educational television programs.

During conversations with the media professionals, students enthusiastically talked about their favorite PBS shows from childhood. Titles such as Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street, and Wild Kratts quickly came up in discussion, creating an easy connection between the students and the visiting professionals who help produce educational programming.

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The morning was designed to be hands-on and engaging rather than a series of formal speeches. Students rotated through two interactive sessions where they had the chance to sit down with professionals and ask questions about their jobs. These conversations offered a glimpse into the daily responsibilities of each career, but they also highlighted the educational journeys required to reach those roles.

For many students, it was the first time they had spoken directly with people working in professions they might one day pursue.

School leaders believe that these types of experiences can make a powerful difference, especially during the middle school years when students begin forming ideas about their futures.

“It is really important because we want to make sure that they are exposed to careers that they can get inspired by,” said LaCassa Felton, Principal of Andrew Langston Middle School. “We have really looked at our own instructional practices and how we can make some shifts and how we can provide a way for them to stay connected not only through middle and high school, but beyond.”

The collaborative event was designed with that long-term vision in mind. By bringing together students from two schools and professionals from dozens of industries, organizers hoped to show that the world of work is wide and varied.

For some students, hearing about careers in healthcare or education sparked curiosity. Others found themselves drawn to technology or hands-on trades. Each conversation, each story, offered another piece of the puzzle as students began thinking about the possibilities that lie ahead.

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Beyond the career exploration, the event also strengthened ties within the community. Professionals from across the region volunteered their time, showing students that local leaders and organizations are invested in their success.

By working together on initiatives like Career Day, Andrew Langston and Northwest Middle Schools are helping students connect what they learn in the classroom with real opportunities beyond school walls.

For the young attendees, the experience may have lasted only a few hours—but the inspiration could last much longer.