THE DALLES — The Columbia Gorge STEM Hub, in collaboration with Career Connect Southwest WA and Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), hosted its third annual College & Career Expo April 19 at CGCC’s campus in The Dalles, with 138 students from 11 different high schools in attendance — the largest number to date.
This year’s expo showcased a College & Career Fair and immersive workshop sessions aimed at exposing students to a variety of post-secondary options and supporting students on either path, college or career.
The event kicked off with a keynote address from a Hood River resident Rosa Grabos, manager of technical managers at Amazon. Grabos shared her personal journey, emphasizing the value of embracing life experiences and non-linear paths in shaping one’s future. Her message set the tone for a day of exploration and networking. All students were given the chance to interact with industry professionals and representatives from colleges at the College & Career Fair, where 20 employers and 15 college representatives had booths.
“My students made some really positive and meaningful connections and walked away feeling like it was time well spent,” said Kaylene Herman, dean of students at Pacific Crest Innovation Academy in Skamania County. “It was really well organized and students appreciated having the choice to choose.”
With the aim of fostering more student “voice and choice,” the expo included eight workshop sessions tailored to equip students with essential professional skills and insights into high-wage, high-demand sectors in the region. This approach empowered students to tailor their learning experience to individual interests and goals. Four workshops focused on honing professional skills, covering topics such as networking, personal finance, and utilizing AI tools in future careers. The other four took the form of industry panels, featuring 15 industry professionals from high-wage, high-demand sectors who offered students firsthand insights into various career pathways.
Matt Fullerton, Portland firefighter and owner of Oregon Digital Security, facilitator of an AI & Future Careers-focused workshop, said, “By solving real-world problems as a way to learn about AI, these students will differentiate themselves from other job candidates when they hit the labor market. The workshop was well-received by students and teachers, with many expressing uncertainty about how AI would impact their job opportunities in the next few years.”
“By providing a platform for students to engage with industry professionals from a variety of different sectors, we are helping facilitate a direct connection between education and real-world career opportunities,” said Kate Wurster, STEM Hub coordinator.
For a list of participating businesses, colleges and facilitators, visit gorgestem.org/college-and-career-expo.
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