Aldine ISD’s 6th Annual Job Fair and College Expo: Empowering Special Education Students for Future Success

Disponible en: Español

City of HoustonAldine ISD’s 6th Annual Transition Job and College Expo Event was held on Wednesday, March 16 at the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. The event provides an opportunity for students with disabilities between the ages of 16 to 22 to learn about job opportunities and the skills that are needed to enter the workforce.

Students from all of Aldine ISD’s high schools, and all level 3 and 4 clients from the Transition Service Center at Lane School, explored summer job opportunities and opportunities for their futures after graduation. This event has been designed to provide a platform for students to connect with local businesses and educational institutions that can help them achieve their career goals.

Brittany Edwards, Program Manager of Special Education, coordinated the event and spoke on how the annual event has prepared Aldine students to work on their job skills and gain the necessary skills to earn employment with employers and post-secondary programs. The Expo emphasized whether students want to continue their education or go into the workforce, the opportunities to conduct interviews and get hired on the spot or learn about different programs for their career goals were available during the event.

“We have traditional colleges and universities here, but also different programs as well,” said Edwards. “We have a barber school and cosmetology school as well. Different programs and avenues for our students in order for them to be successful and gain those choices and opportunities today and throughout their future.”

Aldine’s Special Education Department has made it clear that providing support, which includes supporting students after graduation, is a main priority. Transition Specialists coach special education students, work with the Texas Workforce Commission, teach students how to dress for success, and work with the students to build a resume and conduct mock interviews.

The following businesses, organizations, apprenticeships, training programs, colleges, career navigators, and governmental agencies attended the event: