Student & Educator Resources - Portland Workforce Alliance

Join us at the 17th annual NW Youth Careers Expo, a virtual career-exploration experience for high school students on March 16-17, 2021, from 1-4 pm. The live features will take place during that time. Update: The event will be open until May 14, 2021 for asynchronous learning.

Registered students can learn about the region’s broad range of careers and pathways; hear from diverse voices sharing career tips in the Auditorium; meet leading employers, colleges and training programs in their virtual booths; take away resources in their digital “backpack;” and try the scavenger hunt for the chance to win amazing prizes.

Top 3 Educator Resources

Expo Resource Guide (Auditorium schedule, list of 100+ Live Booth Talks, Exhibitor Lists, Scavenger Hunt clues & more)
Student Guide to the Expo Video (5-minute platform video guide for students and teachers)
Sample Post-Expo Student Assignment (Google Form; works for live and asynchronous attendance)

Other Educator Resources

Expo2Go: Your Online Career Journey
Educator and Student Overviews (short slide decks for educators & students; good for student prep)
Other Sample Teacher Assignments (general ideas for before, during and after the Expo)
Scavenger Hunt Flyer (with clues!)
Sample Reminder Email to Students (editable Word doc)
1-minute Expo Student Teaser Video
Student Flyer
List of Exhibitors
Expo Office Hours Recording (Q&A)

See our Educator FAQs on the registration page for more information (event and log-in details, etc)

The NW Youth Careers Expo looks different this year, but the goal is the same: Support and inspire high school students on their career journey, and connect the region’s leading employers with their future workforce. Thank you educators for helping students develop their career aspirations!

Expo Tips for Students

The Expo is a great chance to learn about careers and hear from employers about next steps after graduation. Planning ahead will help you make the most of the virtual event. Students can:

Read up beforehand.

Visit our exhibitor page to get a sense of what employers will be present. Don’t just scan the list for familiar names! Research smaller employers and unexpected exhibitors, too.

Go on a fact-finding mission.

Select five employers to visit and brainstorm questions for them. (What skills are necessary for this career? What type of education/training do you need? What is the salary range? What do you like most about your job, and what are the biggest challenges? Here are a few more.)

Try out Expo2Go

The Expo2Go is an online resource where you can identify your career interests and learn more about top employers, colleges and training programs in the region.