EcoCareers Expo Connects 321 Northeast Michigan Students with Environmental Career Opportunities
The third annual EcoCareers Expo brought 321 eighth-grade students from 11 schools across six counties to the Alpena APlex on Wednesday, October 21, to explore careers in environmental fields and natural resource management.
Coordinated by the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (NEMIGLSI), the hands-on event featured 21 exhibitors who introduced students to careers related to conservation, local ecosystems, and natural resource management.
Through interactive activities and conversations with industry professionals, students learned how their interests could translate into future careers. The event also helps students prepare for high school by introducing them to career paths before they choose electives, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, or internship opportunities.
“The Expo's main goal is to show youth in Northeast Michigan how many exciting career opportunities are out there, especially in fields that tap into our amazing natural resources,” shared Savannah Graf, NEMIGLSI Network Coordinator. “We want to highlight fun, fulfilling jobs that allow students to live, work, and play right here in our beautiful region!”
“Introducing students to local career opportunities early helps them make informed decisions about their future,” said Alicia Wallace, Marketing Manager with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. “The EcoCareers Expo allows students to explore their interests, connect with professionals, and discover career paths they may not have considered or even known existed.”
"My favorite part was learning about all of the jobs and meeting the people who do the jobs. I also liked hearing about these jobs from a person and not online." — Oscoda Student
The EcoCareers Expo is made possible through a grant from the Women’s Giving Circle and Community Impact Fund awarded by the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, along with additional grant funding from the MiSTEM Network Region 12, Awakon Federal Credit Union, and Kirtland Community College. Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium also supports the event through career exploration funding provided in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Workforce Development.
By connecting students with local professionals and hands-on learning experiences, the EcoCareers Expo helps young people envision their future in Northeast Michigan while supporting the development of the region’s next generation of talent.
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