RCSD seventh graders explore career opportunities and meet local professionals at the annual Future Fair

Rochester, New York – Hundreds of seventh-grade students from the Rochester City School District gathered at Monroe Community College on Friday, February 6, for an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities that await them in the future. The annual Future Fair, hosted by the Rochester Education Foundation, gave students the chance to connect with professionals from a wide variety of fields and discover careers they may want to pursue one day.

The event brought together 70 professionals representing a broad spectrum of careers, including politicians, business leaders, educators, and other community leaders. These role models engaged directly with students, sharing insights about their professions, explaining what inspired them to choose their paths, and offering guidance for young people thinking about the future. The goal of the fair was simple but powerful: to show students what is possible while sparking excitement, inspiration, and hope.

“I love my job because I get to work with adults every day to provide meaningful academic, social, and emotional opportunities for our students to excel in school and in life,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “I recall being a young person and how adults in my life nurtured my talents to help me become the person I am today.”

Read also: ROC Youth Employment Network opens applications for teens and young adults to gain paid summer work experience and career skills

During the fair, students were able to interact directly with the professionals, asking questions, learning about the skills and education needed for different careers, and exploring paths they might not have considered before. The event also included tours of the MCC campus, allowing students to meet college students and see firsthand what higher education could look like. For many, it was an eye-opening experience, highlighting careers they were already curious about while introducing them to entirely new opportunities.

Founded in 2005, the Rochester Education Foundation works to provide programs and resources that enhance the education of Rochester City School District students. From engaging field trips to hands-on activities, the organization strives to make learning exciting, meaningful, and joyful. The Future Fair is one of many initiatives designed to inspire students, giving them experiences that go beyond the classroom and encourage them to imagine the possibilities ahead.

Read also: Double Stop trio wins top honors and cash prize at RIT performing arts showcase

For the students who attended, the event offered more than just information—it offered a sense of possibility and a vision of what they might achieve in the years to come. By connecting with adults who are passionate about their careers, asking questions, and exploring the college environment, the seventh graders were able to take a tangible step toward thinking about their own futures in a new and exciting way.

To learn more about the Rochester Education Foundation and its programs, visit www.rochestereducation.org.