ORANGE PARK – This Saturday, May 8, Orange Park High School, A Community Partnership School, in partnership with the Clay Chamber of Commerce and the Orange Park Mall, will host the first annual Clay County Teen Summer Job Fair Extravaganza at the mall.

The job fair is open to all teens in the local area and will support high school students by offering a professional development opportunity to apply the concepts they’re learning to real-life situations and help them discover their true passions.

The fair will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Students will have opportunities to network with potential employers, secure entry-level jobs and learn about internships and apprenticeships. Interviews will be conducted by Lauren Pfanenstiel, Community Partnership School Director; Randy Brown, General Manager, Orange Park Mall, Interim President, Clay Chamber of Commerce; and, Miki Johns, St. Johns River State College Recruiter.

Teens also will be instructed how to network with local business owners and community leaders, with additional onsite interviews with teens and participating business owners.

Studies show that transitions from high school to postsecondary education and employment can be challenging for many students. As some teens enter the workforce or postsecondary education, they are in need of additional coursework, while others do not meet employers’ standards in various academic areas or by employable skills, such as attendance, communication, teamwork and collaboration.

The first Summer Job Fair Extravaganza will help create smoother transitions to college and the workforce for Clay County Teens by offering a professional development opportunity to apply the concepts they’re learning to real-life situations and help them discover their true passions.

Expanded Learning is a key focus of the Community Partnership Schools model and by increasing postsecondary opportunities, we are helping students focus on their skills, develop new interests and reach beyond their comfort zone, empowering more Clay County children realize their full potential.

Orange Park High School, A Community Partnership School is a collaborative partnership among Children’s Home Society of Florida, Clay County School District, Orange Park Medical Center, Palms Medical Group and St. Johns River State College. Together, partners focus on removing tough barriers to learning by bringing together high-quality academics, health care, counseling, support and more – right on-site at the school.