Future Ready Career and College Fair: Helping High School Students Plan for Success
Largest Spring Fair Set for Sunday, March 29 in Cedar Rapids
HIAWATHA, IOWA (March 20, 2026) - The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. With that in mind, the Future Ready Career and College Fair will take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Kirkwood Hotel & Conference Center. This highly anticipated event connects high school students and families with representatives from over 100 colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, military branches, and career and student service organizations.
Hosted by ICAN, a nonprofit education organization, the fair is designed to help students and their families navigate post-high school planning. Attendees will have direct access to information on career planning, academic programs, admissions, campus life, financial aid, scholarships, and career training opportunities.
Key Highlights:
- Connect with representatives from over 80 organizations, including public and private universities, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and military branches.
- Learn about scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
- Explore career paths with business and industry leaders.
- Engage with career and college advising experts on career exploration, work-based learning, and student success.
“Choosing the right education or training path after high school can feel overwhelming, but events like this simplify the process by providing students and families with the information they need to make confident decisions,” said Brittania Morey, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for ICAN. “We’re excited to offer a platform where students can get their questions answered and start shaping their future.”
The event is free and open to the public, with no pre-registration required. High school students, parents, and educators are encouraged to attend. To streamline information sharing with colleges, attendees can create a StriveScan barcode at www.strivefair.com. Students are also encouraged to bring copies of their transcripts and resumes to discuss with admission representatives.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 29
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Kirkwood Hotel & Conference Center
7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids
Admission: FREE
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore future education and career options. Join us at the Future Ready Career and College Fair and take the next step toward success!
Students can find tips on preparing for college fairs, making the most of their visits, and post-fair follow-ups online. ICAN recommends that students bring a list of questions for schools and consider using pre-printed address labels for information cards. Additionally, students can register for a College Fair Barcode, allowing colleges to scan their information instead of filling out multiple forms. For more details or to register for a barcode, visit www.ICANsucceed.org/futurereadyfair.
Event Sponsors:
The Future Ready Career and College Fair is made possible through the support of the Greater Iowa City, Inc., Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Iowa Building Trades. For more information, to view the list of exhibitors, or to register for a barcode, visit www.ICANsucceed.org/futurereadyfair.
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About Future Ready Career and College Fair:
The Future Ready Career and College Fair is a collaborative effort among ICAN, the Greater Iowa City, Inc., the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Iowa Building Trades, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Kirkwood Community College. Dedicated to providing high school students and parents with the resources and guidance needed to explore future career and education and training options, the fair provides a comprehensive platform that empowers attendees to make informed decisions about their future endeavors.
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, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Hiawatha, 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.
