Atlanta Youth STEAM Career Fair

ATLANTA — What you can see, you can be. That’s the message local businesses gathered Friday at Atlanta Technical College hope local students take away as they think about their futures.

The career expo, hosted by the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s African American Partnership, is part of an ongoing effort to support young people and is an opportunity for students like ninth grader Leiland Dixon, d Explore potential careers in science, technology, engineering arts and mathematics. .

“What I’m looking forward to today is seeing AT&T, Delta, Georgia Power,” Dixon shared, adding that he had already developed an interest in coding.

Mentors and company representatives spent the morning meeting with middle and high school students. Young people also have the chance to participate in career seminars and mingle with the Black Porsche Club of Atlanta.

“Everyone here needs to open the doors for you,” said Youlanda Mack, AAP cabinet co-chair and member of the Black Porsche Club. “To inspire you to reach your potential.”

As a young girl, Mack said she only attended a few events similar to the expo. But those she attended had a lifelong impact, ultimately leading to a career in STEAM.

“When I entered the STEAM field, there weren’t many people like me, so I think it’s important to expose kids to these diverse opportunities because STEAM is closely related to everything you do in life,” she added.

Such events remain essential when it comes to reaching more young people. The United Way of Greater Atlanta’s 2023 Child Well-Being Report shows that nearly 14,000 young people are outside of college and career pathways. The exhibition, part of AAP’s year-round efforts, helps bridge these gaps.

“We want these kids to know that this is an area where you can really succeed and do anything,” Mack added.

This reminder was also echoed by Jennifer Person, who brought 50 students from South Fulton’s Future Foundation to view the exhibit. For Person, this visit is just one more way to remind teens, especially those from underserved communities, of what they are capable of.

“If we didn’t take them on a trip. If we didn’t come to this event with African American Partnership, how would they know?” » said Pearson. “How would they learn? How would they grow?”

“That’s what I remember the most,” she added. “Making that connection.”

For Leiland, it’s an effort it already resonates.

“To show you how and why you can do this,” he said of the day’s significance. “Showing you that it’s possible for everyone.”

Learn more about United Way of Greater Atlanta and its College and Career Ready programs here.