Youth College and Career Readiness

At Let’s Grow STEAMx, we are dedicated to ensuring that the youth in our community and beyond not only graduate from high school – but that they are confident, prepared, and excited to step into the real world, whether college, technical college, or a career is in their future.

Our premiere program is the Youth College and Career Expo, which brings together schools, universities, employers, and organizations to provide students with

  • Exposure to opportunities and experiences right here in the Valley and beyond
  • Introductions to representatives from colleges and universities from around the country
  • Connections to key players at local businesses and organizations for internships
  • and so much more!

Youth College & Career Expo

Helping our students prepare for the “real” world is the best gift we can give to them – and to our community.  Through our Youth College and Career Expo and other readiness opportunities, we do just that.

Our Career Resources Center will offer resources for interviewing, locating internships, discovering their passions, mastering technology, developing leadership skills, and more!

Our Career Resources Center offers resources for interviewing, locating internships, discovering their passions, mastering technology, developing leadership skills, and more!

If you’re a student visiting this page, we know you’re looking for something. Maybe general career advice. Maybe how to prepare for YCCExpo, a mock or a real interview. Or maybe your counselor has sent you on a mission to find a career related learning experience.

Well, you’re in the right place. Every day, Let’s Grow STEAMx helps students like you discover their career aspirations. We connect teenagers with local and regional employers to learn about job possibilities, and we aim for all students to further their education and find satisfying, well-paying careers.

We know you don’t have it all figured out. (We don’t either.) Our goal is to help you make strong choices during and after high school that will expand your options, not limit them. Here are some possibilities:

Come to the 5th Annual Youth College and Career Expo (YCCExpo)

The annual Let’s Grow STEAMx Youth College and Career Expo offers a great chance to pursue your career goals. Talk with people from some of the region’s top employers and get career advice in a low-pressure setting. Practice your skills at a mock job/college admission interview, or try out some cool equipment from local hospital, construction firm or design studio.

Explore other options

Learn about internships, mentor programs, and other career-education possibilities.

Check out these tips and resources

Want To Learn More About A Career ? Just Ask.

Most people are happy to talk about their jobs and career paths. Here are sample questions that can give you some insight into their career.

  1. Why did you choose this career path?
  2. How did you get started?
  3. What did you wish you had known at the start of your career?
  4. What is a typical workday like for you?
  5. How would you describe your work environment?
  6. What are some projects you’ve been working on?
  1. What kind of education and training did you need for your job?
  2. Are there colleges or programs you recommend for this field?
  3. What are the top 3 skills you use on a day-to-day basis?
  1. What can people expect to earn in entry-level jobs in this field?
  2. What do you enjoy most about your job, and what do you find the most challenging?
  3. Does this job allow for a good work-life balance?
  1. What are the best opportunities for someone entering this field?
  2. Are there any trends in your industry you’re excited about?
  3. Does your workplace have any internship or apprenticeship opportunities?
  4. Does your workplace offer job shadowing opportunities?
  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. Why did you apply for our company?
  3. Do you know what we do here?
  4. Do you have any work experience?
  5. What are your favorite classes?
  6. What are your favorite subjects?
  7. What are your career goals?
  8. Do you like your high school?
  9. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
  10. Why are you looking for a job?
  11. Are you okay working nights and weekends?
  12. If your teachers were here, what would they say about you?
  13. Are you planning on going to college after you graduate?
  14. Do you know what you want to study?
  15. How comfortable are you doing X task? (answering phones, talking to customers, etc.)
  1. Are in-person or virtual tours of the campus available?
  2. What scholarships do you offer?
  3. What sports are available?
  4. Where is your college/university located?
  5. Do you offer study abroad programs?
  6. Are programs student funded?
  7. Do you offer internship placement?
  8. Are classes lecture or discussion based?
  9. Do you offer double majors?
  10. Do professors offer hands on projects?
  11. Are tutoring services available free of charge for students?
  12. What is dorm life like?
  13. Are freshman allowed to have cars on campus?
  14. Do you offer traditional semesters?
  15. Can you apply as a junior in high school?
  16. Are freshman required to stay on campus?
  17. What is the student teacher ratio?
  18. What are your top majors?
  19. What are the dorms like? Do I have to have a roommate in on campus housing?
  20. What is the school FASFA code?
  21. How do you address severe food allergies in school cafeteria?
  22. Where can I find scholarships offered by school?
  23. Are 1st year students guaranteed housing?

Make sure you’re at your best for the interview – remind yourself the importance of first impressions!

  1. Get a good night’s sleep & eat a good breakfast!
  2. Brush your teeth
  3. Dress appropriately
  4. Bring a copy of your resume (if applicable)
  5. Give a firm handshake & wait to be asked to take a seat
  6. Maintain good posture
  7. Avoid fidgeting, adjusting your clothing, touching your face, etc.
  8. Make eye contact – but remember, it’s not a staring contest!
  9. Be polite & give your full attention to the interviewer
  10. Be confident and articulate in your answers

Tips for Conducting a Mock Interview

  1. Interview students for about 7-8 minutes.
  2. When the interview is complete, evaluate the student and share feedback.
  3. Be friendly. Ask challenging questions. Listen carefully.
  4. Give students feedback that will encourage them and help them do better in future interviews.
  5. Emphasize the positive: Begin and end your evaluation with positive feedback, and gently discuss areas needing improvement.
  6. Arrive on time, dress professionally and have fun with students as they practice their interviewing skills.