TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) welcomed more than 350 children, parents and mentors to a career exploration event at the Florida Capitol during Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Children joined their parents to tour more than two dozen exhibits from a wide variety of organizations, while participating in interactive, hands-on activities and learning about the many career opportunities available to them in the Sunshine State.

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “Florida’s talented and trained workforce is critical to our state’s strong economic growth. Today, we were honored to connect with hundreds of students who will one day be a part of our workforce. Every day, our committed team at DEO and our partners around the state are working to invest in education and new job opportunities so that today’s children will be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive exhibits from educational institutions, organizations and state agencies, who highlighted the importance of education and growing employment fields in the state. Featured exhibitors included the TCC STEM Center, the National High Magnetic Laboratory, the Florida State University College of Nursing, CareerSource Capital Region and Challenger Learning Center.

Clay Tomlinson, Education Assistant with the Challenger Learning Center, said, “Today’s students will be tomorrow’s leading innovators, solving problems and creating tools to live happier, healthier lives. It’s up to educators, parents and mentors to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and math in our students and encourage them to pursue STEM-related careers so they can help us unlock a brighter future and a better world.”

DEO hosts a career exploration event on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day each year at the Florida Capitol. Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is a nationwide initiative of the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, dedicated to developing innovative strategies and research-based activities in informal educational programs that empower girls and boys in all sectors of society.

Download photos from DEO’s career exploration event: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FLDEO/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1342526979173075

Visit www.floridajobs.org/TakeKidsToWork for more information about the event.

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

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