City of Austin

The 13th Annual Youth Career Fest, hosted by Austin Economic Development and the Austin Youth Council, brought energy, inspiration, and opportunity to Austin-area students on Wednesday, January 28 at the Palmer Events Center. The event also featured a press conference with City and County leaders, underscoring the City of Austin’s commitment to workforce development, youth engagement, and building strong career pathways for the next generation.

The event welcomed 3,000 students and educators from school districts across Central Texas, connecting them with 126 employers, educators, and community partners representing a wide range of industries including construction, healthcare, technology, creative fields, entrepreneurship, public service, and skilled trades.

For many students, the Youth Career Fest offered a first look at the careers shaping Austin’s future and a chance to ask real questions, build confidence, and imagine what comes next.

“This event is about exposure and possibility,” said Anthony Segura, Deputy Director of Austin Economic Development. “When young people can see the many paths available to them and meet the people doing this work every day, it changes how they think about their future. The Youth Career Fest helps students connect their interests to real opportunities right here in Austin.”

Throughout the day, students engaged directly with employers and organizations through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and conversations designed to make career exploration accessible and fun. 

Hosted annually since 2013, the Youth Career Fest has grown into one of the largest youth-focused career exploration events in the region. The event reflects the City of Austin’s continued commitment to early workforce exposure, youth engagement, and building pathways to economic opportunity for the next generation.

“The energy in the room today was incredible,” Segura added. “Students left with new ideas, new connections, and a clearer sense of what is possible for their future.”

The Youth Career Fest is made possible through collaboration with schools, employers, nonprofits, and community partners who share a commitment to supporting Austin’s youth and strengthening the city’s future workforce.

For more information about youth initiatives and upcoming events, visit austintexas.gov/kids.

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About Austin Economic Development  
Austin Economic Development supports business growth, workforce industries, and local community partnerships that advance economic growth and identity.  These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more, subscribe to our newsletter or connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on X, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.