The School to Careers program helps local business and industry create career-related learning opportunities for regional high school students. It is operated through a partnership between Eastern Oregon Business Source and local school districts.

The Oregon Tradeswomen Career Fair is produced by the Portland nonprofit Oregon Tradeswomen, and is sponsored by industry partners. The goal of the trade fair is to introduce students to the wide variety of career opportunities available in the trades while offering a unique, hands-on opportunity for young women to learn about apprenticeship and career training opportunities after high school. There were interactive learning opportunities allowing students to use the tools of the trades, talk directly with tradeswomen about the work they do, and gain knowledge about satisfying, high-paying careers in the construction trades.

“There was huge value in having the girls literally get their hands dirty in a wide variety of activities, such as welding, construction, wiring, and fitting pipes. Student interaction with exhibit staff, the vast majority of whom were working professionals, was also valuable,” ​School to Careers coordinator Christina van der Kamp said.

Six students from Pendleton High School, twenty-five from Sunridge Middle School, and four from Hermiston High School attended the event. According to van der Kamp, “The trip affirmed that we need to reach out to the middle school as much as possible to involve that age group in even more career exploration. We are already excited about signing up for next year.”

The Education Foundation of Pendleton funded travel to the event and the Pendleton Building Construction Trades Council sponsored meals and financial assistance for students in need.