Austin — City of Austin officials and Travis County leaders opened the 12th annual Youth Career Fest on a morning stage in Austin, saying the event drew more than 3,500 high school students from nine school districts and about 65 vendors offering career information and hands-on displays.

Dr. Chiquita Watt Mujell, administrator of the Youth Initiatives Office for the city of Austin, said the event launched in February 2013 and has continued annually to provide career exploration, vocational training information and connections to employers. "We have worked diligently to have this event. We have this event every year, and it is to create opportunities for youth to have career exploration," she said.

The festival included a "college corner" with representatives from vocational and trade schools alongside traditional college information, organizers said. Anthony Segura, director of the city's Economic Development Department, described the event as a way for students to learn what skills are needed in fields ranging from technology and health care to skilled trades, public service and the arts. "This is your city, and we need your voice, your idea, and your talent to help shape the future," Segura said.

Travis County Commissioner Jeffrey Trevillion, who said he and city staff have worked together for decades on workforce and education issues, framed the festival as part of a larger effort to prepare a local workforce for incoming employers. "When they get here, there's a workforce for them," Trevillion said, referring to major employers that locate to the region. He noted that Travis County voters approved a tax-rate election intended to support childcare and after-school programs and said county workforce staff — including Russ Stevens and workforce solutions partners — would coordinate with the city to connect students to training and jobs.

Organizers said participating school districts were predominantly in Travis County and included Austin ISD, Elgin ISD, Manor ISD, Taylor ISD, Lockhart ISD, Leander ISD, Hays CISD, Bastrop ISD and Round Rock ISD. They said the festival serves students from Austin and surrounding Central Texas communities and that evaluation data on student learning will be collected after the event.

City and county speakers thanked educators, city staff and partner organizations for supporting the event. No formal policy decisions or votes were recorded during the presentation portion of the program.

Organizers described the festival as an exposure opportunity — a first step for many students to learn about careers, required skills and local training pathways — and urged students to ask questions and explore booths during the event.