What’s New

Connecting students from nine high schools to regional employers

Nine high schools from School Districts U-46, 300, and 301 had the opportunity to send over 500 students to the annual CTE Senior Job Fair. Students visited with 50 business and community organizations across the region representing the automotive, culinary, education, energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing industries. Many students as a result of the resume workshops had resumes ready to share with employers.

In addition to learning about job openings across these industry sectors, all students had the opportunity to attend Elgin Community College (ECC) information sessions to help them prepare to transition to postsecondary opportunities as they graduate in May. Joined by Northern Kane County Region 110 and the three school districts, Alignment considers this event to be the opportunity to showcase with students employment opportunities throughout the region as soon as they graduate from high school in May.

Bill Wright, Alignment’s Governing Board chair, visited throughout the day commenting about “the importance of this event as it seamlessly connects students preparing to graduate to employment opportunities that lead to positions in high growth industries with multiple advancement opportunities. We appreciate the support of our business community in bringing these opportunities to students as they prepare for the future workforce.”

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Thank You Exhibitors

Over 35 community colleges, universities, corporate apprenticeships, and technical institutes participated in Alignment and U-46’s first Sophomore and Junior Postsecondary Day on March 5. In addition to students meeting college and university enrollment specialists, students met professionals offering sessions in the college search process, NCAA participation, military service recruitment, and FAFSA. More than 2,200 students benefited from the experience across U-46’s high schools to include visits with current college and university students advising students on the transition from high school to careers.

Students and alumni from Chicago State University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Morehouse College, and North Carolina A&T visited with parents and students during Alignment’s virtual HBCU evening roundtable on February 27 and the Sophomore and Junior Postsecondary Day on March 5.