Student Job Fair
The KidsMatter Job Fair was a huge success! Approximately 1,500 youth and parents flowed through the doors of Merner Field House on March 21st.Thirty-six businesses offered over 1,650 job opportunities to an eager crowd of students. Hundreds of young people filled out applications in our Application Station area, where KidsMatter volunteers, the U.S. Department of Labor
employees, and business representatives answered questions and assisted students and parents who inquired about everything from work permits to interviews. AMC Naperville, Advocate Property Management, Cafe N Play, The Growing Place, Hollywood Palms, McDonald's, Players Indoor Sports, Good Times Summer Day Camp, Ann Taylor, Illinois Energy Windows & Siding, Cookie Dough Creations, Home Depot, Goodwill, Culvers, Lowe’s, Noodles & Company, Chicagoland Pool Management, as well as the other businesses in attendance, secured the majority of their staff for the upcoming summer months.KidsMatter’s Workforce Preparation Stations included information on Resume-Building, Social Networking, & Internship Opportunities. The Mock Interview Station was busy throughout the evening, with 8 business professionals conducting 5 minute “practice interviews” with youth throughout the Fair. A Career Corner featured the Naperville Police Department, Fire Department, Marines, Army and Vocational Opportunities.
Supported by The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, CEO/President John Schmitt, together with student entrepreneurs, hosted a workshop on “How to Start Your Own Business.” Parents were treated to complimentary refreshments from Whole Foods and a presentation entitled “Whose Job Is It Anyway? Strategies for Parents to Ensure Job Success” by Diane Overgard, Certified Coach and Family Life Specialist of 45 Degrees.
This event was funded in part by a grant from our Executive Sponsor, The DuPage Community Foundation, as well as with sponsorships from McDonald’s, Illinois Energy Windows & Siding, Chicagoland Pool Management, Illinois State Representative Darlene Senger, the Naperville Rotary Club, and Klein Hall & Associates.