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Regional career exploration event returns to the Genesee County Fairgrounds on September 29
Press release
BATAVIA, N.Y. — For more than 1,200 students across the GLOW region, one hands-on experience could spark an interest, reveal a hidden talent or open the door to a future they had never imagined.
On Tuesday, September 29, students from 32 school districts will gather at the Genesee County Fairgrounds for the seventh annual GLOW With Your Hands career exploration event. Throughout the day, students will connect with more than 70 employers, industry partners, post-secondary institutions and workforce organizations representing opportunities throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
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More than a traditional career fair, GLOW With Your Hands invites students to roll up their sleeves and experience the world of work for themselves. They will operate equipment, use industry tools, complete real-world activities and talk directly with the professionals who live and work in their communities.
The event highlights career opportunities in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, skilled trades, construction, transportation, food processing, engineering, public service and other high-demand industries. It also helps students understand the education, training and experiences that can turn their interests into meaningful careers.
“GLOW With Your Hands allows students to experience careers instead of simply hearing about them,” said Angela Grouse, Director of Education to Employment for the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce and GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Sometimes, all it takes is one experience for a young person to recognize a talent or imagine a future they had never considered. We want every student to leave knowing there are people, opportunities and pathways right here in our region ready to help them succeed.”
GLOW With Your Hands began in 2019 with a shared belief among regional education, business, workforce and economic development leaders: students deserve the opportunity to explore careers before they are asked to make important decisions about their futures.
Since its launch, the initiative has connected more than 6,000 students with local employers and career opportunities. Regional partners have also documented an increase in enrollment in related Career and Technical Education programs.
“The continued growth of this event reflects how deeply our region believes in its young people,” said Karyn Winters, Director of the Genesee County Business/Education Alliance and GLOW With Your Hands Co-Chair. “Employers, educators, volunteers and community partners give their time because they want students to see what is possible. They are not only showcasing careers; they are encouraging students, answering their questions and helping them picture a future where they can thrive.”
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At the heart of GLOW With Your Hands is the belief that there is no single pathway to success. A student’s future may include college, Career and Technical Education, an apprenticeship, industry credentials, military service or entering the workforce. Each pathway has value, and every student deserves the chance to find the one that is right for them.
The event also gives local employers the opportunity to invest in the next generation. By sharing their knowledge and passion with students, participating organizations help build awareness of rewarding careers available close to home while strengthening the future workforce of the entire GLOW region.
GLOW With Your Hands is made possible through the collaboration of Business Education Alliances, workforce development organizations, economic development agencies, BOCES, local school districts, employers, trade unions, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and hundreds of volunteers. Their collective commitment continues to show students that their communities believe in them and want them to succeed.