COVINA – Hundreds of parents and students attended the inaugural Covina-Valley Unified School District Career and Job Fair on April 19, where students received guidance on educational and employment opportunities to plan for their futures beyond graduation.

Visitors from 46 institutions, including Mt. San Antonio College, the United States Army and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, provided high school students with enrollment information and numerous employment opportunities at the event.

“The purpose of the Career and Job Fair is to help students make connections that will lead to their next step in college or career,” said Dr. Julie Harrison, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. “This event has helped our students learn about the many program options at community colleges to help them get directly into career fields. They can also connect with professionals from part-time employers or from their desired career field, building relationships that will lead to success.”

Several businesses interviewed and hired students on the spot, including part-time employers like Starbucks that provide assistance in completing an undergraduate program. Other businesses that hired promising students during the event include Home Depot, Raging Waters Los Angeles and Chick-Fil-A.

“I’ve almost completed high school and I am looking to start working so that I can be successful,” South Hills High School senior Julian Alvarado said. “Everyone’s dream is to be a millionaire, right? I’m ready to get started.”

The event featured a number of displays, including fire trucks and police cars parked on the District Field, as well as a top-of-the-line sports car from Envision Motors to promote careers in the automotive industry.
“We are very pleased with the results of the District’s first-ever Career and Job Fair,” Superintendent Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “This event made our students aware of the opportunities that exist for them in furthering their education and in the workforce so that we can ensure they have bright and successful futures.”

CVUSD_COLLEGECAREER1: Students receive educational and employment opportunities to plan for their futures at the inaugural Covina-Valley Unified School District Career and Job Fair at the Covina District Field on April 19.

CVUSD_COLLEGECAREER2: South Hills High School senior Julian Alvarado and hundreds of student attendees visit the Covina-Valley Unified School District Career and Job Fair on April 19, taking their first steps toward college and career success.