East Moline, Ill. – On Thursday and Friday, the Bend Expo Center became a bustling hub for Quad Cities youth as the fifth annual Junior Achievement Inspire Career Expo opened its doors. The two‑day event, organized by Junior Achievement of the Heartland, welcomed an estimated 4,000 middle‑ and high‑school students from 29 schools across the region.
Hands‑on exposure to local businesses
Students rotated through booths staffed by representatives from nearly 60 businesses, ranging from manufacturing firms and health‑care providers to technology startups and service‑industry companies. Each booth offered hands‑on activities, interactive demonstrations and one‑on‑one conversations designed to give young people a realistic glimpse of day‑to‑day work life and the skills needed for success.
Why the expo matters now
Junior Achievement President and CEO Lysa Hegland explained that the timing of career exploration is shifting. “Back in my day you went to college and then you figured out what kind of job you were going to have,” Hegland said. “Now schools are encouraging kids to start learning about careers in junior high so that when they reach high school they can take the classes that guide their direction.” The expo reflects that new emphasis, giving students early exposure to a variety of professions before they make long‑term educational decisions.
Community and business partnership
The event underscores a growing partnership between local businesses and schools. By investing time and resources in the expo, companies help ensure a future workforce that is informed, motivated and better prepared for the demands of the modern economy. Many participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet professionals who could serve as mentors or future employers.
Student reactions
Students described the experience as “eye‑opening” and “inspiring.” One junior high attendee said, “I never knew there were so many jobs that use math and science in fun ways.” A senior from a local high school added, “It helped me narrow down what I want to study in college and what kind of internship I should look for next summer.” The positive feedback suggests the expo is succeeding in its goal of guiding youth toward informed career choices.
Looking ahead
Organizers plan to expand the expo in future years, adding more industry sectors and increasing the number of participating schools. The hope is that, as more students engage early, the Quad Cities will continue to cultivate a skilled, adaptable workforce that supports both existing businesses and new entrepreneurial ventures.
For families interested in attending future events or learning more about Junior Achievement programs, information is available on the organization’s website.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
