Golddiggers seek out summer jobs, scholarships at career fair

Whether they’re looking for a part-time job, a summer internship or a scholarship, Clear Creek High School students had time to consider the paths ahead of them at a March 29 career fair.

The annual event returned this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. About 20 local companies, Colorado universities, military branches and other entities participated.

High school students had the opportunity to stop by during their afternoon classes, and even some middle school students stopped by.

Dacia Kelly, career connections coordinator, described how in organizing the event, she wanted to have a good array of opportunities and experiences among the vendors.

The event is a way for vendors and students to make short-term connections for summer jobs or fall internships, and an opportunity for younger students to explore what’s out there.

For instance, she said, while one needs to be 18 to be a raft guide or 21 to be a police officer, making those connections now can give students direction on how to prepare themselves for those career paths.

It was also a chance for those pursuing college or the military to talk to recruiters.

Senior Haylee Downare described how she’d already been accepted to Western Colorado University, but learned about an important scholarship opportunity from a recruiter at the career fair.

Meanwhile, sophomore Josey Heaney got a brochure to do a summer internship at the Clear Creek County Library District.

Both Downare and Heaney said that, perhaps future events should include more employment opportunities in the Evergreen area.

Most of the businesses represented at the career fair were based in the Idaho Springs area. Downare, who lives closer to the Evergreen area, said Idaho Springs would be too far for her to drive for a part-time or seasonal job. 

Overall, though, Downare and Heaney thought the event was a good idea.

“It gets kids aware of the opportunities they can take,” Downare said.

Senior Jacob Bryant and junior Zack Myers, who were looking at scholarship and job opportunities, respectively, also felt the event was a good chance for students to get their name out there with recruiters and local businesses.

Bryant detailed how he wants to study economics at Montana State University next year. Once he finishes his bachelor’s degree, he wants to earn a master’s degree as well.

Thus, finding scholarships would be paramount in helping him and his family afford tuition. So, that was his focus during the career fair.

On the flip side, the businesses looking for employees and interns had some success.

Mile Hi Rafting’s Danny Costello wanted to hire one or two students to round out his trainee class of rafting guides. He said photography and office work were also options, as guides must be 18.

While he hadn’t had any commitments yet, Costello said he’d had some interest from “good students asking good questions.”

Contact reporter Corinne Westeman at cwesteman@coloradocommunitymedia.com, and follow her on Twitter @cwesteman.