YouthForce job fair returns May 7 to connect teens with local employers

Metro Wire Staff

STEVENS POINT — The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County will host its annual YouthForce Job Fair and Career Showcase on Tuesday, May 7, offering local teens an opportunity to connect directly with area employers.

The event runs from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Berard Center in Stevens Point. Aimed at teens seeking summer jobs and career guidance, the job fair will feature employer booths, on-the-spot interviews, free food, prize drawings, and interactive virtual reality job simulations.

Organizers say the event is designed to be fun and welcoming while also giving teens valuable tools and experience to help prepare them for the workforce.

“It’s more than just a job fair — it’s an interactive showcase that opens doors for local youth,” said Mikayla Kleifgen, the club’s director of resource development and marketing.

The YouthForce program is part of the club’s broader Workforce Development initiative, which is supported by Associated Bank, Mid-State Technical College, Gamber-Johnson, Sentry, Al Phelps, Pointe Precision, and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development through a Workforce Innovation Grant.

In addition to the annual fair, YouthForce provides year-round programming for club members of all ages. Younger members participate in career exploration activities, while teens age 14 and older can join the Junior Staff program for real-world job experience. High school students also receive mentoring, career coaching, and job placement support.

The club also offers free open office hours to all Portage County teens for assistance with job applications, resumes, volunteer opportunities, and scholarships.

For more information, contact Mikayla Kleifgen at [email protected].