DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa students and families will have an opportunity to explore colleges, careers and education and training pathways in one place when the Golden Circle College & Career Fair returns to Des Moines on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Hosted by ICAN, the annual event brings together 100 colleges, universities, employers, training programs and organizations to help students explore the many options available after high school.

The event will be held 1-3 pm at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona. Admission is free.

“Students have more options after high school than ever, but understanding those choices can sometimes feel overwhelming,” said Brittania Morey, Vice President Marketing and Communciations at ICAN. “Golden Circle gives students and families the opportunity to have conversations, ask questions and explore many different pathways in one place.”

Students can connect directly with representatives from colleges and universities from Iowa and across the United States, apprenticeships, military, and student service organizations.

The fair is designed for students at all stages of the planning process.

Seniors can gather information as they narrow their options and prepare applications. Juniors can begin researching programs and comparing opportunities. Younger students can use the event to discover careers, colleges and training pathways they may want to explore in the future.

Families are encouraged to attend with students and ask questions about programs, admissions, career preparation, costs, financial aid and student support.

ICAN also encourages students to use the fair to explore beyond the options they already know.

“You may walk in thinking you know exactly what you're looking for and leave having discovered an opportunity you didn't know existed,” Morey said. “That's one of the most valuable things about bringing so many organizations together.”

Preparing for Golden Circle

Students can make the most of the event by reviewing the exhibitor list before attending, identifying organizations they want to meet and preparing a few questions.

Students should also make time to visit organizations they don't already know. Conversations about unfamiliar colleges, careers or training programs can introduce possibilities they haven't previously considered.

After the fair, students are encouraged to follow up by researching programs, scheduling campus visits, exploring career experiences and talking with their school counselor or an ICAN advisor.

Golden Circle College & Career Fair

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 1-3 pm
Location: Prairie Meadows Conference Center | Altoona, IA
Cost: FREE
Barcode: https://app.strivescan.com/registration

Students, families and school counselors can find additional information, participating organizations and planning resources at www.ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle.

About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.