FCCS Career Day: Teens Find Futures, Connect with Colleges and Jobs

Find Your Future! Franklin County Children Services linked nearly 100 teenagers connected to our agency with college staff, job recruiters, and trade school/labor representatives at the 2025 FCCS Career Day.

“We want to help young people make informed decisions about their future,” said Chuck Cochran, who manages the College-Bound Mentoring Program and has co-coordinated Career Day for the past five years. “Career Day gives them critical information.”

The agency’s West Mound Street location was a buzz of activity, with more than two dozen business, colleges, and organizations coming together for the Saturday event, which was one of the most-attended Career Days according to Mr. Cochran.

Representatives from colleges and universities included The Ohio State University, Central State University, Otterbein University, Mt. Carmel School of Nursing, and Columbus State Community College. 

Staff from trade schools and apprentice programs included the Paul Mitchell School of Columbus, Equip Skills Center, Ohio Operating Engineers, Columbus Fashion Alliance, Brick Layers Local #23, and Ohio Carpenters JATC.

The Columbus Police, Franklin County Sherriff’s Office, and the Information Technology team from FCCS also presented career options. 

“Our hope is to expose our young adults to opportunities that they aren’t aware of and the possibilities available to them,” added co-coordinator and Adoptions caseworker Deric Cobb. 

Also assisting in the day’s activities was John Hambrick from the Education Service Center of Central Ohio. “Thank you top the more than 27 partners, volunteers, and staff making this the biggest event yet.”

He knows that youth involved with FCCS might feel they don’t have the financial or practical support needed to pursue a college degree or learn a trade… but help is available. 

That’s why organizations including the Ohio Education and Training Voucher Program, Youth Navigator Network, Ohio Reach, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Bridges Program, and I Know I Can were also there to share information about job placement, educational supports and scholarships, housing, and other services available to teens when they leave agency care.

Feedback and increased attendance each year have shown that both the teens and the career recruiters really value making face-to-face connections. 

According to Mr. Cochran, many partners come back year after year. “The feedback is consistently positive. They love having the opportunity to engage young people and introduce them to a career field.”

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