FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2024
CARSON, IA — Students from Riverside CSD’s Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) have taken the initiative to plan and host the school’s first career fair, scheduled for Thursday, May 2, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Middle/High School building.
iJAG, a non-profit organization partnering with Iowa schools, delivers a career development curriculum that integrates employer engagement opportunities, such as the upcoming career fair. The program equips participating students with leadership skills and assists them in crafting sustainable plans for their future. Riverside High School provides a dedicated iJAG program for its students.
Inspired by their experiences at career fairs in neighboring schools, Riverside iJAG students, guided by their instructor, proposed the idea for the event to the district administration. Following approval, the group compiled a list of local businesses and individuals representing diverse fields such as business, medicine, agriculture, and trades, inviting them to host resource tables at the fair.
"Our hope with this career fair is that kids actually learn what they want to do beyond high school," said Kaster Mandeville, 12th grade student and Riverside iJAG president.
“I’m so proud of the collaboration in planning this event,” said Ellie Reed, iJAG instructor for Riverside CSD. “The students have been working hard to start this annual tradition for Riverside. All Riverside juniors and seniors will participate in engaging with local businesses to explore pathway options following graduation. Freshman and sophomore students will also be involved at a foundational level as they begin navigating their post-high school plans.”
Local organizations interested in hosting a resource table at the Riverside Career Fair are encouraged to contact Ellie Reed at 712-482-6464.
To learn more about iJAG and opportunities for involvement, please visit
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