SAISD Sophomores Connect with Industry Leaders at SPARK Youth Career Expo

Approximately 900 San Angelo ISD sophomores from Central and Lake View High Schools attended the 2nd Annual Concho Valley SPARK Youth Career Expo on March 4. The event, which attracted more than 1,500 students from across the Concho Valley, gave students the opportunity to interact with businesses and organizations representing a wide range of industries.. 

The expo was made possible through a partnership between the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board (CVWDB), Shannon Health, San Angelo Independent School District, Education Service Center Region 15 and Howard College. Together, these partners combined resources to organize a large-scale event focused on providing students with meaningful career exploration experiences.

“What stood out this year at our second annual SPARK Youth Career Expo is the overwhelming amount of support and enthusiasm from communities, employers and partner organizations,” said Avery Hathorne, CVWDB Workforce Programs Contracts Manager. “In a short amount of time this event has grown and everyone involved truly believes in the relevance and importance of this event for our students across the Concho Valley.  Everyone involved has demonstrated that they are strongly committed to building a strong and responsive regional workforce starting with our youth.” 

Now in its second year, the event saw increased participation from students, school districts and organizations across the region. More than 80 businesses, organizations and educational institutions participated, offering students the chance to learn firsthand about careers, workplace expectations and training pathways.

“There is no other event of this size in this area at this time that brings so many industries under one roof at one time to give students the time to really have authentic conversations with the experts as they begin making decisions for their futures after high school,” Ms. Hathorne said.

Students explored a wide range of industries including agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture and construction; arts, audio-visual technology and communications; business, marketing and finance; education and training; energy; health science; heavy equipment; hospitality and tourism; human services; information technology; law and public service; manufacturing; engineering; and transportation, distribution and logistics.

The event also introduced many students to careers they may not have previously considered. By speaking directly with professionals, students were able to ask questions, learn about education and training requirements and better understand the opportunities available within different industries.

“Local employers are already making plans for next year because they want to attend, and some want to have bigger [and] better exhibits!” said Ms. Hathorne. “Our participating organizations have expressed that they enjoyed communicating with students and that they enjoy being a part of helping to build knowledge and opportunities for our young people.”

The Concho Valley SPARK Youth Career Expo served as a valuable opportunity for students to explore career possibilities while strengthening connections between schools, local employers and the regional workforce.

“The most exciting difference from last year to this year is growth,” said Ms. Hathorne. “More organizations participated this year, and more students and schools attended this year. This shows us that this event is meaningful and that it is something others genuinely believe in.”

The event was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Shannon Health, San Angelo ISD, Education Service Center Region 15 and Howard College. We extend our appreciation to the sponsors, employers, schools, volunteers, speakers and attendees who made this event possible. Your support helps inspire and prepare the next generation of workers and leaders.

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