HIAWATHA, IOWA (March 25, 2019) — The ICR Future Career and College Fair is being held this Sunday, March 31, in Cedar Rapids and will showcase more than 70 colleges, universities, and career resources – bridging the gap between career exploration and college/training selection, to help students make informed decisions that align career interests with education and training. The fair is free and open to the public.

A career and college 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 ICAN and ICR Future, and sponsored by Kirkwood Community College, ACT, Iowa Building Trades, and the Eastern Iowa Airport, the fair runs from 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center located at 7725 Kirkwood Blvd in Cedar Rapids.

“We feel fortunate to host the first-ever ICR Future Career & College Fair at Kirkwood Community College. The Midwest landscape--particularly in Eastern Iowa—is changing, with additional education and/or training beyond high school becoming the ”new norm.” stated Mark Ash, admission advisor for Kirkwood Community College. “The ICR Future Career & College Fair provides the ideal setting for students, as they will have the opportunity to discuss future careers with local business and have access to more than 70 unique education, training, and career resources including colleges, registered apprenticeships and the military, all conveniently under one roof.”

What makes the ICR Future fair unique is the focus on creating a purposeful link between college and career. Eastern 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 with businesses 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 director of 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.

“ICR Future is excited to help sponsor the first annual ICR Future Career and College Fair,” stated Kate Moreland, Director of Career Development for ICR Iowa. “Providing high school students a robust opportunity to explore career paths and a variety of post-secondary options can help inspire them as they consider their future.”  

“In today’s ever-changing job market it’s important for students to not only plan for education or training after high school, but to have a career path in mind when they are making those  decisions, and to understand the expectations employers will have once they graduate,” stated Morey.

Four breakout sessions will be offered throughout the fair to educate attendees on planning and preparing for college, employer expectations, interview skills, career outlook in Iowa, as well as the financial aid process. 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 10 different states including Kansas, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oregon, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, among others. To see the complete list of exhibitors, visit ICANsucceed.org/icrfuture.

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 and print out copies of a personal barcode to be scanned by colleges in lieu of completing information cards. For more information about the ICR Future Career and College Fair, or to register for a barcode visit: ICANsucceed.org/icrfuture.

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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 ten locations in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Orange City, 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.

For More Information:

Brittania Morey
Director of Communications
bmorey@icansucceed.org
(319) 423-7708