Students Explore Link Between College & Career at Golden Circle Fair

DES MOINES, IOWA (Sept. 20, 2021) — The Golden Circle College & Career Fair is being held this Sunday in Altoona and will showcase more than 100 colleges, universities, military, apprenticeship, and career resources -- creating an opportunity for those planning for college or career training within the next couple of years to explore options. The fair is free, open to the public, and being held in-person.

A college and career fair is the ideal place to learn more about schools and programs students might consider too far away to visit, too expensive or exclusive, or otherwise unattainable. Presented by the ICAN, Prairie Meadows, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Building Trades, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the fair runs from 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 26, at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center at 1 Prairie Meadows Drive in Altoona.

What makes the Golden Circle fair unique is the focus on creating a purposeful link between college and career. Central Iowa business and industry leaders will provide students with information on new and emerging career opportunities in Iowa, as well as the education and training needed to join certain career fields.

“Enabling students to talk about the careers they are interested in, to learn about the education or training required, and then to walk across the room and talk to colleges that offer that program or training is something we are really excited about this year. It’s a game changer for many students,” said Brittania Morey, event coordinator and vice-president, marketing and communications for ICAN.

Students of all ages and at all stages of the planning process are encouraged to attend and talk one-on-one with school and business representatives about making college and career choices.

“In today’s ever-changing job market it’s important for students to not only plan for college but to have a career path in mind when they are making college decisions, and to understand the expectations employers will have once they graduate,” stated Morey. “Our event sponsors bring career expertise and data to a new level and present it in a way that’s easy for students and parents to understand and apply to their situation.”

Three breakout sessions will be offered throughout the fair to educate attendees on the scholarships process, employer expectations, interview skills, career outlook in Iowa, as well as the financial aid process. The first session will feature a panel of young professional to share their experiences in preparing for their careers. Sessions will be held every 30 minutes and include a question and answer session enabling students and parents to learn about the overall process and receives specific advice and information for their situation.

Iowa schools will be joined by colleges from 12 different states including Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. To see the complete list of exhibitors, visit www.ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle.

Students can also find suggestions for preparing for college fairs, making the most of their visits and what to do after a fair online. ICAN advises fairgoers to make a list of questions for schools and to take preprinted address labels to stick on college information cards. An additional option is the College Fair Barcode, a pre-fair service that lets students register for a personal barcode to be scanned by colleges in lieu of completing information cards. For more information about the Golden Circle College and Career Fair, or to register for a barcode visit: www.ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle.

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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, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Sioux City and Waterloo, 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.