Leadership Gilroy’s Class of 2026, in partnership with the Gilroy Unified School District, will host a Trade Career Fair for local high school students. The fair will take place Oct. 26 at Mt. Madonna High School, and is open to juniors and seniors across GUSD.
The Trade Career Fair is designed to close the gap between education and career, introducing students to industry pathways in addition to the traditional university route, Leadership Gilroy members said in a press release.
Students will be able to explore four interactive zone experiences: Build, Create, Public Safety and Education. Through hands-on activities and conversations with industry professionals, students will discover careers in construction, electrical trades, culinary arts, cosmetology, film, public safety and more.
The goal is simple: to reignite curiosity and excitement in this generation about what their futures can hold, by opening their eyes to real, rewarding careers they may have never considered.
“High school graduates of Gilroy are stepping into a job market that looks very different than it did a generation ago,” said Sana Afzal, a member of the Leadership Gilroy, Class of 2026. “We hope to uplift our students while connecting them to local businesses and strengthening the next generation, our communities, and local workforce, in one simple, meaningful way.”
To help bring the fair to life, Leadership Gilroy Class of 2026 is seeking community sponsors and donors. All contributions go directly toward funding materials, activities and resources for the Trade Career Fair.
To celebrate and grow community support, the class will also host a fundraising mixer open to the public from 5:30-9pm Aug. 28 at Pour Me Taproom in Gilroy.
“Whether you sponsor, donate, or share your trade at the event, your support helps create meaningful career exploration opportunities for local students,” says the press release.
To learn more about becoming a Trade Career Fair sponsor, exhibitor, or donor, visit leadershipgilroy.org/class-of-2026. To stay up to date on the event, follow @gilroybuilds on Facebook and Instagram.
