MOUNT VERNON – Over a dozen community organizations and companies filled the Mount Vernon High School cafeteria with their tables as they promoted their job openings. The Mount Vernon City School District held a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Community Career Fair at MVHS on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Opportunities within the MVCSD and the community were shared with students and Mount Vernon residents.
“The CTE Community Career Fair at MVHS was an incredible opportunity to bring Mount Vernon students, community members, local partners and employers together in the name of CTE opportunities and community building,” said Brian Simmons, director of CTE. “It was a huge success, and we couldn’t be more proud!”
Organizations from across the state, including the New York State Police, the Mount Vernon Fire Department and Aramark, visited the school with information about the positions available. Companies also conducted five-to-ten-minute interviews with applicants.
The fair was organized by the CTE Department in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and MVHS. Community organizations and residents were invited as a way to strengthen the partnership between the community and the District.
“The Community Career Fair, hosted by the NEW MVHS, was attended by well over 100 community members,” said Dr. Pauline Pearce, principal at MVHS. “These types of events strengthen the bond between our school and the community. In addition to connecting job seekers with potential employers, the Community Career Fair also reinforces our commitment to holistic support for our families. For us, this initiative is not just about hosting a job fair—it’s about building a supportive community where our families feel empowered.”
The New York State Department of Labor also visited and conducted community outreach to explain the resources available to job seekers who may have not found something. Residents and students submitted their resumes, and several retail organizations who were unable to come promised to interview applicants from the school.