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ESE Career, College & Life Fair helps families prepare for the future

Jan. 31, 2025

Mother and daughter at ESE Fair

Hundreds of students and family members attended the ESE Career, College and Life Fair to learn about opportunities for students with disabilities.

The event, which took place on Thursday at Pinellas Technical College in St. Petersburg, was focused on helping students with disabilities and their families plan for the future. 

The fair featured nearly 50 community partners and resources aimed at supporting students in grades 6-12 and students in Extended Transition programs. The goal of the fair was to bring a wide variety of resources to one place to support students with various exceptionalities.

"We want to bring the agencies and resources to our families," said PCS event organizer, Katia Roussos. "We're a dense district and families don't realize how much we have to offer. We're hoping by having the different opportunities available for families, they'll connect to more resources to support them in their journey." 

Melissa Hicks came to the fair with her eighth-grade daughter Autumn Reid to check out after-school activities and summer camps.

Alicia LaMont and her daughter, Madelyn, a high school senior, came to "bridge the gap between high school and what's next." That might be Pinellas Technical College, St. Petersburg College or a combination, LaMont said. Madelyn is in the veterinary program at Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School but has also expressed interest in culinary arts.

Lisa Philie, who attended with her son, Skyler, was also focused on life after high school. He graduates from Hollins High later this year, and she was looking for resources to help him explore career opportunities.

"I want him to find a real career, not a job, to get his foot in the door and find out what he likes and doesn't like," Philie said.

The event provided many of the popular resources featured at previous fairs, including career training, college opportunities, health insurance, and Extended Transition information. This year, the fair also showcased programs at PTC St. Petersburg and provided information about adult day programs. 

If you have questions about the fair, please contact Katia Roussos at RoussosK@pcsb.org or 727-588-6482.

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