The City of Evanston hosted its annual MSYEP Job Fair on Feb. 28, offering local high school students the opportunity to explore summer employment and entry-level career paths across a wide range of industries.

The job fair is part of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program (MSYEP), a workforce development initiative designed specifically for Evanston students ages 14 to 18. According to Gregory King, Youth and Family Program Coordinator for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the fair featured employers offering positions in various fields. Each year, the fair aims to provide students with access to hands-on work experiences that match different interests and skill sets.

Through MSYEP, the city provides young people with real-world experience and skill development while strengthening Evanston as a whole.

“Connecting with high school students through MSYEP is an investment in Evanston’s future,” said King. “Helping young people gain skills, confidence and opportunity builds a stronger, more connected community.”

Most of the opportunities available at the fair were entry-level positions, making them accessible to students entering the workforce for the first time. Unlike many traditional career paths, MSYEP positions do not require a college degree. Instead, the program focuses on giving students early exposure to the workplace and preparing them for long-term success, whether they choose to pursue college, trade programs or other career routes.

“Whether it’s doing maintenance work, office administration help or even dog grooming, there are plenty of different summer positions available,” said King.

For many students, this job fair was their first formal interaction with potential employers, so King’s main piece of advice was to be well prepared.

The MSYEP Job Fair provided more than just summer employment, giving students a chance to build skills and connections.