Making futures Bright!

For the second time, the Rochester Education Foundation (REF) will host an engaging event for 7th-grade students in Rochester to introduce them to a wide range of careers. Dynamic professionals from diverse fields—each of whom is financially independent, passionate about their work, and committed to giving back to the community—will serve as career models. These professionals will share their career journeys, including the education and training required for their roles. In addition to meeting professionals, students will connect with college students who will share their personal paths and encourage the 7th graders to envision a successful future for themselves.

What’s Future Fair?

  •  Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

  • (Set-up and networking opportunity for Career Models: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

  • Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus

When and Where:

How does it all work?

REF will recruit professionals with a diversity of careers. These dynamic career models will share what their job is, why they enjoy it and the training and education needed to get there.

REF will create a student- and family-friendly guide featuring headshots of each career model, along with descriptions of their careers and the education/training pathways that led them there.

REF will collaborate with partners at Monroe Community College (MCC) and RCSD to coordinate all event logistics, including campus tours and engagement with college students.

Student Experience:

 This will be a two-hour, immersive experience for students.

  • Students will visit tables hosted by career models to learn about their professions, including the education and training required. Each table will feature a dynamic professional, engaging visuals, and/or interactive presentations.

  • 7th graders will meet college students who will share their experiences and pathways to higher education.

  • Students will tour the MCC campus, guided by MCC students and staff.

  • The overall experience is designed to inspire students and help them visualize a successful future.

Ways to be involved

Career Models

Love your job? Encourage and inspire RCSD students to help them imagine themselves having a bright future.

Criteria:

  • Financially independent

  • Enjoy your job

  • Give back to the community

Expectations:

  • Share information about your career

    • What you do, why you like your job, and what training is needed to get there

  • Engage with small groups of students at a robust fair and answer questions about your career

  • Share your talk with each new group of students

  • Provide pictures or posters, or media, and a dynamic presentation.

College Student Volunteers

College Student Volunteers are needed!

College students will guide 7th graders to meet dynamic career models who will share what they do, why they like their job, and what training is needed to get there.

Students will be exposed to some careers that they have heard of previously and some that are new to them. Imagine the impact!

Link will be provided at a later date.

Not in college and still want to give back to your community? Join us!

Community Volunteers will help with check-in, logistics, and flow. To ensure the event is successful and smooth. Enabling 7th graders to have a meaningful experience!

Community Volunteers

Link will be provided at a later date.