GOAL High School Job Fair at Citadel Site Connects Students and Families With Local Career Opportunities

Colorado Springs, CO — GOAL High School welcomed students, families, and community partners to a regional job fair at the Citadel site, celebrating meaningful engagement between GOAL and the Colorado Springs community. The event brought together all five regional sites and featured more than 25 local employers, colleges, and organizations.

The job fair was supported and coordinated in part by Andrea Martinez and Kim Dang, both Work-Based Learning and Internship Liaisons at GOAL High School. Their leadership helped create a space where students could learn about career pathways, meet employers, and practice real‑world communication skills.

“This job fair gives our students a chance to meet the people who live and work right here in Colorado Springs,” said Kim Dang. “We want them to see the many careers available in their own community and connect with businesses that are excited to support them.”

Student opportunities included exploring a wide variety of industries, filling out interest forms, learning about summer work, and even participating in on‑the‑spot interviews with some vendors. Many organizations also offered guidance and education information, including opportunities for students preparing for future training or college classes.

Andrea Martinez emphasized how important these events are—not only for students, but for the businesses who attend. “Many of the vendors told us it was their first time learning about GOAL,” she said. “This helps them understand who our students are and why they make great candidates. It also builds relationships that support long‑term opportunities.”

The fair also highlighted GOAL’s Work‑Based Learning Program, which allows students who already have jobs to earn academic credit as they grow their skills. Many students advance from entry‑level roles into leadership positions through the program, showing strong growth each quarter.

Martinez shared that exposing students to many different career options helps build confidence. “We encourage students to visit every table, even if they’re shy,” she said. “They might discover careers they’ve never thought about before. Even if it doesn’t apply today, it might matter at the end of the year or during summer.”

Both Martinez and Dang agree that events like this benefit all GOAL sites and strengthen connections within the community. “It truly helps everyone—students, families, and employers,” said Martinez. “It opens doors and helps our students see that their future is full of possibilities.”