The Blackstone Valley

Blackstone Valley Education Foundation Engages Valley Students to Embark on their Career Exploration Journey

The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation hosted its Annual Regional Career Fair last Thursday, April 7th from 8:30am to 11:45am at the Northbridge High School in Whitinsville, MA where close to 600 sophomores from 7 of the Blackstone Valley High Schools gathered to explore a wide variety of career opportunities.

Over the course of the morning, students had the opportunity to speak with well over 70 career representatives about their jobs, education and training required for these positions as well as potential employment opportunities. In preparation of this event, students were required to take a personal interest survey that helped direct them towards careers that best suited their interests. The event showcased a wide range of job titles; essential exposure for students at the sophomore level to help guild them through high school course selection, first jobs, and to build a working network of contacts for job shadows and internships.

The Career Fair included an employability seminar about successful job-getting. Presenters Amy Mosher, Lead S.T.E.M. Coach at Central MA Workforce Central and Chris Foley, Vice President for Branch Administration and Sales Manager at Unibank addressed topics such as work permits, legal work hours, prohibited jobs, presentation (including social media) and how to be successful at managing hard-earned money.

The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to leading and supporting education that promotes workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our local educators, business leaders, our member school districts, the Massachusetts Department of Education Connecting Activities Grant, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and private and corporate donors.

If you would like to participate in next April's event or have general questions, please contact Julie Salmon or Susan Gately at the Education Foundation for additional information 508-234-9090.

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About the Chamber

The mission of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley and meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley. The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the eleven towns in the Massachusetts BV Region: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton and Uxbridge. For more information on the Chamber please contact administrator@blackstonevalley.org or call 508 234 9090 X101.

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About the Education Foundation

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc. is the not-for-profit umbrella organization for all Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce school-business related activities and cultural programs. Our Mission: To lead and support education that promotes workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley.