150 Students from Five High Schools Attend YCDC’s Regional Career Day

April 23, 2025

The York County Development Corporation (YCDC) held its annual Regional Career Day on Wednesday, April 2. More than 150 high school students met with 36 business leaders who volunteered their time. Students chose different breakout sessions based on the career pathways developed by the Nebraska Department of Education and had time to ask additional questions by talking to business leaders during the open career fair.

“It’s important for students to see what different opportunities there are, not only spanning the career fields they can enter across Nebraska but also specifically in York County,” says Emily Perry, Development Coordinator for YCDC. “We want to show them that York County has a lot to offer, and they can have a successful and fulfilling career if they stay here.”

Career days like this one provide multiple benefits to the community. They help students make decisions about what they want to do after graduation while also increasing interest in employment with local businesses.

YCDC’s Career Day Showcased Multiple Employment Paths

Along with introducing students to different career fields, YCDC wanted to highlight how high school graduates have several options available to them. York University and Southeast Community College attended the event to discuss college trajectories, while local business leaders shared internship, apprenticeship, and full-time employment options.

“College might not be the right path for everyone, and there are definitely opportunities for kids to be successful in other ways,” says Perry. “I encourage students and parents to be open-minded about what success looks like. It could mean entering the workforce, getting a certificate, or going to college. There are so many ways to enter the workforce, and some of those ways might not look how you would expect.”

The goal of YCDC’s Regional Career Day isn’t to push students toward a specific goal, but rather to showcase all of the different paths available to them.

Two Guest Speakers Shared Advice With Students

The career fair is an educational experience, but also a motivating one. High school students can feel excited about their futures and the possible workplaces they can enter. This is why YCDC also booked two speakers to meet with students and share their life experiences.

Johnny Quinn, this year’s keynote speaker, is an Olympic bobsled competitor and a former NFL player. Quinn spoke to students about the struggles that come with growth. His message was that there will always be speed bumps and potential roadblocks on their journeys to success. The goal isn’t to avoid these, but to take steps to overcome them.

Justin Carver, the track and field head coach at York University, was also a guest speaker. He spoke about the importance of having grit and pushing through when times get tough.

Almost any student will struggle at some point in their career, whether they are searching for a job or learning new tools and programs. The character of these students speaks more about who they are than the skills they develop.

Local Businesses Made This Event a Success

YCDC would like to thank the employees at 36 businesses and schools across York County who volunteered to attend this event and the sponsors who offered their support. Regional Career Day is successful because of local participation. The more companies attend, the more career pathways students can discover.

“A lot of hands came together to make our Regional Career Day successful, and we’re grateful for all the help,” says Perry. “I love working and living here because the community support is next level.”

Below are our fantastic sponsors who contributed at different levels. This event wouldn’t have been possible without you!

Keynote Sponsor

Cornerstone Bank

Title Sponsors ($1,500+)

Central Valley Ag
Collins Aerospace
Southeast Community College

Advocate Sponsors ($1,000+)

Advance Services Inc
Cyclonaire Corporation
Klute Inc
York Area Chamber
York General

If you work for a business in York County, contact YCDC to discuss getting involved in the local schools. There are several ways to connect with high school students throughout the year to showcase your industry and organization.

Learn More About YCDC’s Workforce Development Efforts

YCDC continues to invest in the people of York County to better support companies that operate here. Learn about its workforce development programs, like the Regional Career Day event. There are talent initiatives, leadership groups, and job boards to support local residents.

York County's future is bright because of the people who live and work here. Companies that move to the region can feel confident in their hiring and training opportunities because of the help from our local partners. Together, we can grow York County.