More than 1,000 high school students from Belen and Infinity high schools and Canon Christian Academy in Belen participated in an All School Career Readiness Day.

Students listened in on two Ted-style presentations — one from William Mallard of Fidelity Investments and the other from “Wanna Be” author Vanessa Sharp.

Students had mock interveiws with employers who gave feedback on interview responses. They also had the opportunity to visit one-on-one with employers at a career fair type of event.

This career exploration activity is part of a larger effort designed to connect students with employers in order to aid students in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for success in school, career and life in which students are exposed to a different opportunity every month.

This work is coordinated by Belen High School and the Valencia County Partnership for a Work Ready Community — a group mobilized by Mission: Graduate to bring community educators, businesses and partners together to form long-term, productive relationships to build a healthy work-ready community.

A special thanks to over 40 Valencia County employers who agreed to participate in the event.