Career Speaker Series

During the 2023-2024 school year BB2C rolled-out a new resource for educators and schools in Washington County. The Career Speaker Series provides a structure for educators to connect with local business representatives to bring them into their classroom to share their career pathways with the students. Like many great ideas, this one developed through a relationship, this time with the Marietta Noon Rotary.

The Rotary President, Jarrett Stull, wanted to find a way to get members into the different schools in Washington County to share career journeys and increase awareness about career opportunities in different fields and industries. BB2C Executive Director Tasha Werry is a member of the Rotary and immediately saw the connection and opportunity to create and support the idea through our organization. Community and Career Connected Learning Coordinator Kristi Leonard-Webber took on the task of connecting with educators and working with them to develop a way for local professionals to visit classrooms. 

Feedback from the Series was positive. One student participant shared, "This event made me feel more connected to my career path. I can't wait to explore internship opportunities now!" An educator noted, "Events like these are vital in supporting the development of a thriving workforce."  One business representative said, "I feel more positive about my role because of the chance to share my experiences with young people." 

Students, educators, and businesses alike reinforced the importance of connecting the young workforce with businesses and career pathways. Overall, the experiences were impactful for all participants. Many suggestions were made about how to increase the effectiveness of this current resource and potentially build out other programs or events as a result.

We look forward to continuing to offer this resource to the Washington County Schools in 2024-2025. We would like to take a moment to thank the businesses who volunteered to send their staff, the educators who worked with us to bring them into the classrooms, the students who were engaged and enthusiastic, and especially the Marietta Noon Rotary for starting the idea! For more information about the Career Speaker Series, email klwebber@bb2careers.org.