Blackwell's Career Exploration Fair huge success for students

The Blackwell Economic Development Authority (BEDA), in collaboration with regional partners, proudly hosted its second annual Career Exploration Fair on Tuesday, April 23, at the Blackwell Event Center. The event was a resounding success, drawing more than 800 students from across the region and featuring over 50 vendors representing a wide range of local businesses, industries, and educational institutions.

From 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., students—from 7th and 8th grades through high school— had the opportunity to explore diverse career pathways, engage directly with professionals, and participate in hands-on, interactive exhibits that brought real-world career opportunities to life.

What distinguishes the Blackwell Career Exploration Fair is its full-day format dedicated entirely to student engagement and its regional reach, welcoming schools, employers, and
institutions from throughout the trade area. Importantly, participation is completely free for both schools and industry partners participated in the Career Fair, eliminating barriers and ensuring access for all. Both participants were encouraged to create immersive, interactive experiences tailored to their fields, enhancing learning and soft-skill development. “This event continues to grow and deepen its impact,” said Charlene Flanery, Executive Director of BEDA. “Career fairs like this are vital in connecting students to the workforce of tomorrow. They allow students to envision their futures and explore the pathways available to them, supporting long-term workforce development across our region.” Shawn Haskins, Superintendent of Blackwell Public Schools, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the event for students.

The Career Fair is one of the standout events for the students of Blackwell Public Schools. “Our primary goal is to equip them with the knowledge and resources necessary to prepare for their future careers, and this event effectively achieves that by showcasing the numerous career paths available to them after graduation. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Blackwell Industrial Authority (Economic Development Authority) for organizing this wonderful event and to the Blackwell Chamber of Commerce for their collaborative efforts in assisting them.”

Each booth offered something unique—ranging from interactive games to hands-on demonstrations—designed to captivate student interest and provide real insight into various fields. Blackwell Community Hospital was noted for its impressive displays that brought their work to life in dynamic and engaging ways. The success of the event was made possible through strong regional collaboration. Partners included the City of Blackwell, Blackwell Public Schools, Blackwell Chamber of Commerce, Pioneer Technology Center, and regional schools invited. Five participated, demonstrating a shared commitment to student and workforce readiness.

Community Support in Action: The event was both memorable and successful, thanks to generous support from the community. BEDA provided a coffee bar and funds for the beverage support vendors and volunteers. The New Blackwell Tribune bottled water, ads, and additional volunteer support. First Bank, RCB Bank, and Stride Bank donated student bags, and Stride donated extra bottled water.

Special thanks to: RCB, Rock and Brews Casino, Blackwell Chamber, BEDA, and CMC for donating student prize items; Pioneer Technology Center for the technical and planning assistance; Pioneer Tech’s Criminal Justice students for assisting with traffic control/safety; Grady Heflick for his “volunteer” assistance; Meagan Hollifield for venue coordination; City of Blackwell and City Manager, Jerry Wieland, for the use of the venue and support from multiple departments; Blackwell High School Wrestling Team and coaches for their help with event setup and teardown; and a special thanks to Superintendent Shawn Haskins for his ongoing support.

BEDA extends sincere gratitude to all educators, counselors, business leaders, and volunteers who made this event such a memorable and meaningful experience for the students. Lastly, and certainly not the least—a HUGE thank you to their planning committee for their efforts in preparing for this event! Through events like the Career Exploration Fair, BEDA and its partners continue to invest in the future, providing students with the tools, insights, and connections they need to chart their own futures. For more information about future events like these, please contact the Blackwell Authority office at BEDA: Shawn or Charlene at 580-363-2334.