Area Career Exploration

Connecting local businesses with the next generation of talent

The Area Career Exploration (ACE) event brings together more than 600 sophomores from 12 area schools and over 100 local businesses for a day focused on career awareness and workforce development.

Our mission is to help students learn about career opportunities right here in southern Minnesota — and to help employers connect with future employees who are already part of our communities.

Overview

Before the event, participating sophomores complete a career interest survey that matches their strengths and goals to Minnesota’s Career Fields, Clusters, and Pathways system. This allows students to come to ACE prepared to explore careers and talk with employers in their areas of interest.

Minnesota's system includes:

81 Career Pathways

Focused career areas within each cluster

You can explore this framework using the Minnesota Career Pathways Tool to see where your industry fits and which student interests align with your business.

By aligning your booth or presentation with these pathways, you’ll help students connect what they’re learning in school to real-world career opportunities in your field.

Why Participate?

By participating in ACE, your business plays an active role in shaping the future workforce. This event is your opportunity to:

• Engage directly with students exploring different career fields and industries
• Promote your organization and the careers you offer
• Build connections with local schools and community leaders
• Inspire future employees to consider careers in our region

Your presence at ACE helps students see the real possibilities that exist locally — and helps strengthen the link between education and employment in our rural communities.

What Happens During ACE?

The day is divided into two alternating sessions:

• In one session, students visit business booths to ask questions, collect materials, and explore career options.
• In the other, students attend a Career Game Show in the Performing Arts Center — a fun, interactive competition focused on career knowledge.

Each student leaves with new insights, resources, and information about the local businesses they’ve connected with during the event.