Congratulations to the nearly 450 Westminster Public Schools students who joined thousands of their peers earlier this month at the annual “8th Grade Career Expo” at the Adams County Fairgrounds’ Riverdale Regional Park.

The event, organized by the Adams County Education Consortium (ACEC), helps students take their first steps into the professional world while learning the importance of making a strong first impression.

“Exploration is essential to students’ career development,” said Jessica Read, Future Center School Counselor. “This hands-on, interactive event allows them to practice valuable skills that will serve them well in the future while discovering opportunities available within our schools and surrounding communities.”

During the expo, students practiced valuable career-readiness skills such as dressing for success, delivering confident introductions, and engaging in meaningful conversations with representatives from local businesses, high school programs, and colleges.

As part of the expo, every student received 10 business cards to distribute to exhibitors. In turn, exhibitors selected the students who made the strongest impressions. At the end of October, ACEC will recognize these standout participants with the prestigious “Top Students” honors.

The Career Expo is one of the largest events of its kind in Colorado, drawing between 5,000 and 6,000 eighth graders from across Adams County. By providing students the opportunity to meet employers, explore high school and post-secondary programs, and envision their future careers, the event empowers young people to see themselves as professionals-in-the-making.