3rd Annual District Fair Connects Students with College, Trades, and Local Careers

Gilbert Public Schools will host its 3rd annual District College & Career Fair on September 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Highland High School. The event is bringing together 91 higher education institutions, local trade programs, military branches, and business leaders from across the country so students can build connections and explore a variety of pathways to pursue post-graduation.

GPS offers an extensive range of academic programs, including those designed to give students direct, hands-on experience where they can build technical skills and earn industry credentials during school. The skills students develop in these programs are transferable and can be applied in many areas like university coursework, trade apprenticeships, and the workforce. For example, in the Agricultural Engineering Career & Technical Education (CTE) program, students learn fabrication and problem-solving skills that help them complete real-world projects.

"Anybody can be a welder over time. It is an art. But the real true art is actually being able to build something from scratch,” said Curtis Willems, Agriculture Engineering and Fabrication Instructor at Highland High School. 

“So, I try to get them started building as quickly as possible. As a high school student, they take pride in their work, and they learn transferable skills like budgeting, project management, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and more."

Preparing for College, Career, and Vocational Opportunities in High School

GPS campuses offer shops, labs, studios, and other facilities that give students access to real-world working environments while at school. By offering comprehensive, skill-based instruction during the regular school day, students gain the experience needed to succeed in life after high school no matter which path they choose.

These specialized learning environments ensure students are fully prepared to network with employers, university representatives, and industry experts at events like the College & Career Fair. 

On September 28th at Highland High, students from all GPS high schools will enter the district college and career fair well prepared: with resumes, academic accomplishments, project portfolios, industry certifications, technical vocabulary, and hands-on experience, allowing them to confidently connect with colleges, employers, and industry leaders.

To best prepare students for their future beyond high school, GPS partners with local business leaders to ensure classroom experiences match current workforce trends. Elaine Kessler, Director of Foundation and Community Impact for the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes that bringing education and industry together strengthens the entire region.

"Attending these events is important because they create meaningful connections between students, educators, and the business community. Career fairs provide students with direct access to professionals and organizations that can help them better understand career pathways, workforce trends, educational requirements, and opportunities available right here in our community," said Kessler.

At this year’s event, colleges and employers in attendance include:

• Arizona State University
• University of Arizona
• Northern Arizona University
• Portland State University
• Brigham Young University
• North Carolina State University
• The Culinary Institute of America
• Tulsa Welding School /RSI
• California Aeronautical University 
• Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
• University of Advancing Technology
• The Town of Gilbert
• Gilbert Police Department
• Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
• Arizona Registrar of Contractors
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

When organizations participate in district events, they help build a qualified talent pipeline for local industries while helping families discover diverse career pathways.

• Post-Secondary Education: Direct contact with in-state universities, out-of-state colleges, community colleges, and trade schools.
• Financial Planning Support: On-site assistance with FAFSA completion and direct advising from financial aid coaches.
• Career and Community Connections: Networking opportunities with local businesses, military recruiters, and regional internship opportunities.

College & Career Fair Pre-Sessions

Families can arrive early to the District College & Career Fair for helpful pre-sessions from 5:30 to 6:00 pm, including:

The College Funding Coach

• Topic: Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College
• Location: Lecture Hall
• Key Takeaways:
  • Discover how to choose the right college for your student and your budget.
  • Protect your retirement savings while saving and paying for college.
  • Learn strategies to help make higher education more affordable.

AZYouthforce High School Internships

• Topic: Real Work. Real Wages. Real Futures.
• Location: Room 1137
• Key Takeaways:
  • Paid internships connecting Valley teens with local and national corporate partners.
  • Earn valuable workforce certifications with 1-on-1 coaching.
  • Access S.T.E.P. Scholarship Fund tuition support for careers in skilled trades.

Tri-University (ASU, NAU, and U of A)

• Topic: Navigating Higher Education Opportunities in Arizona
• Location: Room 1122
• Key Takeaways:
  • Overview of university admissions requirements and application processes.
  • Details merit scholarship opportunities, Scholarship Universe portals, and FAFSA priority deadlines.
  • Discusses Honors Colleges, campus tours, and the Arizona Promise Grant.

GPS is dedicated to preparing students for success in all pathways of life after high school. Learn more about how GPS prepares students for the future, including actionable steps for every high school grade level, at GilbertSchools.net/Thrive.