The Council Bluffs Community Schools and the AIM Institute partnered in April 2009 to provide the first annual 8th Grade Career Fair at Iowa Western Community College.
Nearly 625 students from Wilson and Kirn Middle Schools attended the career fair, where they had the opportunity to speak with area business professionals and college representatives. In preparation for the event, students developed questions and selected three occupations and two colleges they wished to learn more about.
Professionals from 40 businesses, schools and government entities addressed salary potential, job requirements and training in each of their respective fields. Admission representatives from nine colleges provided information about their programs and campuses.
The 8th Grade Career Fair was funded in part through a TRiO Talent Search Grant, awarded to the AIM Institute by the U.S. Department of Education. As part of the grant’s initiative, 600 7th- and 8th-grade students are given the opportunity to participate in after-school, during-school and summer programs that encourage college and career planning.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for students to begin planning for their futures. It gives them a chance to talk to experts and learn first-hand what it is like to be a teacher, nurse, electrician, etc.,” said Nadine Baker, AIM’s Talent Search Grant Manager. “The students begin to find out if they really like the professions they’ve chosen or if there are other career fields that may be more attractive to them. Whatever happens, they realize that education and staying in school is important.”
For more information about Wilson’s Talent Search Program, click here or contact Nadine Baker at 402-345-5025 ext. 104.
A special thanks to the professionals, both self-employed and representing organizations, listed below who participated at the Career Fair.
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Individual/Organization
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Occupation
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Career Cluster
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U.S.D.A. - Natural Resources Conservation Service
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Conservationist
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Agriculture & Natural Resources
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Pottawattamie County Conservation Office
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Conservationist
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Agriculture & Natural Resources
|
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AIM Institute
|
IT Instructor
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Architecture, Science, Engineering, Technology
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Council Bluffs Community Schools - IT Department
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IT Specialists
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Architecture, Science, Engineering, Technology
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HGM Associates
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Architect and Construction Engineer
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Architecture, Science, Engineering, Technology
|
|
HDR
|
Engineer
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Architecture, Science, Engineering, Technology
|
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KPTM TV
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TV News Person
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Arts, Audio Video, Communication
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|
COX Communications
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Marketing Director
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Business & Administration
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Heartland Properties
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Real Estate Sales Person
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Business & Administration
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HyVee
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Florist
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Business & Administration
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State Farm Insurance
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Insurance Agent
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Business & Administration
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Coziahr Heating and Air
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Heating and Air Conditioning Technician
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Construction
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Metropolitan Community College
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Welder & Stationary Engineer
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Construction
|
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Paxton Vierling Steel
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Manufacturer
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Construction
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Stovall Industries Inc.
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Construction Mason
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Construction
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J.J. Harvey - Bellevue Public Schools
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Elementary Teacher
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Education and Training
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Gallup Organization
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Community Outreach Coordinator
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Education and Training
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Kirn Junior High
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Principal
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Education and Training
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Union Pacific Fitness Center
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Personal Trainer
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Education and Training
|
|
Wilson Junior High
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Assistant Principal
|
Education and Training
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Council Bluffs Savings Bank
|
Bank Vice President
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Finance
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|
Heidi Avalon
|
Accountant
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Finance
|
|
Council Bluffs Community Schools
|
Police Officer
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Government
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|
City of Council Bluffs
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Fire Fighter
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Government
|
|
City of Council Bluffs
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Mayor
|
Government
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Pottawattamie County
|
Board of Supervisors
|
Government
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
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Air Force Recruitment Officer
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Government
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|
University of Nebraska Medical Center
|
Doctor
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Health Science
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University of Nebraska Medical Center
|
Surgical Nurse
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Health Science
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|
Alegent Health
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Radiologist
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Health Science
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Iowa Western Community College
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Veterinarian
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Health Science
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|
Alegent Health
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Registered Nurse
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Health Science
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|
Alegent Health
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Laboratory, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technicians
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Health Science
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Iowa Western Community College
|
Chef
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Hospitality & Tourism
|
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Pyles Photography
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Photographer
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Hospitality & Tourism
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Area Educational Agency (AEA) 13
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Psychologist
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Human Service
|
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Heartland Family Service
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Social Worker
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Human Service
|
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Pottawattamie County Attorney's Office
|
Assistant County Attorney
|
Law
|
|
Pottawattamie County Probation
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Probation Officer
|
Law
|
|
Brian Rhoten Attorney at Law
|
Attorney
|
Law
|
|
Stuart Tinley Law Firm
|
Attorney
|
Law
|
|
Omaha Truck Center
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Trucking Company Manager
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Transportation
|
|
University of Nebraska at Omaha
|
Pilot
|
Transportation
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Educational Institutions Represented at the Career Fair
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Buena Vista University
|
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Clarkson College
|
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Creighton University
|
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EQ School of Hair Design
|
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Iowa State University
|
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Iowa Western Community College
|
|
Metropolitan Community College
|
|
Northwest Missouri State
|
|
Tucker Center (Career Academies for High School Juniors and Seniors)
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
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