OKEECHOBEE —  The Education Foundation of Okeechobee, Okeechobee County Schools, the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, the Okeechobee Retired Educators Association and the Indian River State College Dixon Hendry Campus hosted more than 700 students at the 2026 Career Expo on Feb. 6.

Funding from the Florida Lottery and the Gates Foundation gave Okeechobee’s fifth, eighth and 10th grade students the opportunity to talk with local professionals about modern careers, delving into job responsibilities, education pathways, salary expectations and future career outlooks. Students at the Career Expo were able to choose which information sessions they attended based on their personal goals and interests.

“When students can see the pathways available to them and connect directly with local industries, it helps them begin to see themselves in those roles,” said Education Foundation of Okeechobee Executive Director Alaina Barron. “That kind of exposure can shape the trajectory of a child’s life.”

The 2026 Career Expo offered 16 career clusters: information and technology; arts and media; marketing and sales; finance; business and administration; education and training; human services; health science; agriculture, food and natural resources; hospitality and tourism; law and public safety; energy; manufacturing; transportation and logistics; architecture and construction; and engineering and technology.

“By connecting students with local employers and training opportunities, we help bridge the gap between classroom learning and meaningful careers right here in our community,” said

Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation Director of Existing Industry Alex Tijerina. “At the OCEDC, we are proud to support initiatives like this that strengthen the talent pipeline and help our legacy businesses grow, adapt and continue investing in Okeechobee’s future.”

Thank you to speakers from the following organizations for contributing to the 2026 Career Expo: Indian River State College, Gilbert’s Family of Companies, Bautech USA, Morganti, Florida SBDC, SouthState Bank, Maddox Communications, Sunshine State E-Sports League, Pritchards and Associates, Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Okeechobee County Schools, Cowtown Animal Hospital, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.