Monroe High School’s college and career fair provides students with valuable resources to prepare for life after graduation

Monroe County, New York – For students at Monroe High School, the transition from high school to the real world can be overwhelming, filled with uncertainty and tough decisions. To help ease this transition, Monroe High School hosted its third annual College and Career Fair, offering students direct access to professionals, educators, and community organizations that can help shape their futures.

Held today, the fair provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore a variety of career paths, ranging from higher education to skilled trades and public service. The goal was simple: to connect students with the resources they need to make informed choices about their next steps after graduation.

Read also: Anthony Vodacek collaborates with Indigenous communities to introduce machine learning solutions for environmental challenges

“It is important for students to have an opportunity to see the different careers available to them, understand the purpose behind their education, and make informed choices about their futures,” said Jacqueline McClaney, a Career and Technical Education teacher at Monroe and the organizer of the event.

The fair featured a diverse range of participants, including representatives from Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and professionals from industries such as real estate, manufacturing, and the military. A key highlight of the event was the presence of the Board of Elections, which educated students on voter registration and emphasized the importance of civic engagement as they step into adulthood.

Students were able to ask questions, collect information, and, most importantly, start visualizing what their futures could look like. Whether they were interested in pursuing college, entering the workforce, or joining the military, there was something for everyone at the fair.

Read also: Honoring women’s history month by showcasing the power of interdisciplinary research across multiple fields

Cameron Miller, a senior at Monroe High School, found the event particularly helpful as he considers his future. “For now, I know I want to play college basketball, but beyond that, I am still figuring things out,” Miller said. “I want a stable career, and HVAC interests me. This event is a blessing. Some people do not get opportunities like this, and many students do not even know where to start after high school.”

For students like Miller, the College and Career Fair provided not only information but also inspiration. By engaging with professionals and learning about various career options, many students left with a clearer idea of their goals and the paths they can take to achieve them.

As Monroe High School continues its commitment to preparing students for success, events like this fair play a crucial role in ensuring they have the knowledge and connections needed to thrive beyond graduation. Today’s event was more than just a gathering—it was a launching pad for dreams and aspirations, equipping students with the confidence to take their next big step toward the future.