The students from Altmar-Parish-Williamstown, Hannibal, Mexico, Oswego and Pulaski school districts attended this free event to learn about career choices in our county from local business professionals. Presenters included CiTi (Oswego County BOCES), NAYGN from Entergy FitzPatrick, Black Creek Animal Clinic, New York State Police, Oswego town and Oswego city fire departments and Broadwell Hospitality Group.

Tammy Elowsky, Workforce Development Board staffer to the Youth Career Summit Committee, remarked, "The Youth Career Summit is an effort to promote career exploration in our eighth-grade students to help them think about what they would like to do once they get into high school to start preparing for the journey beyond. The event not only provides information on different careers available in Oswego County, but it also provides information on opportunities for youths to build their resumes for job seeking and college applications."

Students learned about the programs available while in high school that promote leadership, career and college readiness via a fun scavenger hunt. Exhibitors included Cornell Cooperative Extension, American Red Cross, Oswego City-County Youth Bureau, Oswego County Personnel, SUNY Oswego, CNYAHEC, Oswego County Opportunities and US Armed Forces. The event gave youths the opportunity to network with community employers, program administrators and peers throughout the program, as well.

The day included a morning snack and lunch for the students. Each walked away with information in hand regarding the programs available, as well as information on careers in Oswego County, including the education required and approximate salary ranges in each one. Students who completed the scavenger hunt were also entered in a drawing to win a free iPad Mini given away that day, provided by Oswego County Federal Credit Union.

Sponsors of the day included Novelis, Excelon, Pathfinder Bank, Eastern Shore Insurance, Oswego County Federal Credit Union, Fulton Savings Bank, and State Farm Insurance.

Planning for next year begins in April. Businesses interested in participating should contact Tammy Elowsky, assistant director in the Office of Business and Community Relations at [email protected] for more information.