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PAACH Homeschool Career Fair

Homeschool Career Fair

The future is full of possibilities — but discovering the right path often starts with a conversation.

Join us for the 2nd PAACH Homeschool Career Fair, where homeschool students can meet employers, hear from industry leaders, explore career options, and gain practical skills to help them prepare for life after high school.

Whether you're planning to attend college, enter a skilled trade, serve in the military, start your own business, or are still exploring your options, this event is designed to help you take the next step with confidence.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 3

Time: 9 a.m. to Noon

Location: Living Hope Community Church in Bartonville, Illinois

Cost: FREE for Central Illinois homeschool high school students



Sponsored by Illinois Homeschool Resource Center


Why Attend?

Today's students have more career choices than ever before.

The Homeschool Career Fair provides a unique opportunity to explore those possibilities by connecting directly with employers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from a variety of industries.

Students will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore career paths that match their interests and abilities
  • Meet employers and professionals face-to-face
  • Learn about education, training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities
  • Ask questions about real-world careers
  • Build confidence while preparing for life after high school
  • Attend practical breakout sessions
  • Network with local businesses and organizations

One conversation could inspire a future career.

 



Featured Opening Speaker

Robert Herrmann

CEO, RHEO Engineering

Robert Herrmann will open the event by sharing insights from his professional journey and encouraging students as they begin exploring future career opportunities.

 

 


Breakout Sessions

Interview Skills

Presented by Dale Koch

Senior Manager for Product Engineering at Precision Planting

Learn practical interviewing techniques, how to confidently answer common interview questions, make a positive first impression, and prepare for future job opportunities.

 

How to Start a Business

Presented by Rebekah Schwind

Director of Illinois Homeschool Resource Center and Owner of Joley Aire Family Dogs

Interested in entrepreneurship? Discover what it takes to launch and grow a successful business while learning from someone who has done it firsthand.

 


Network with These Central Illinois Employers

 


Stay for the ASVAB Career Exploration & Aptitude Test

Following the career fair, students have the opportunity to remain for the ASVAB Career Exploration & Aptitude Test.

The ASVAB is designed to help students better understand their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. While commonly associated with military recruiting, it is also a valuable career exploration tool that many students use regardless of their future plans.

Students are given up to 3 hours to take the test, but generally it takes 45 to 90 minutes to complete. They are able to work at their own pace.

Students planning to take the ASVAB should:

  1. Bring a fully charged wi-fi enabled laptop or Chromebook - view requirements
  2. Make sure they have a ride home afterwards

 


Graize Mobile Kitchen & Creamery

Graize Mobile Kitchen & Creamery

Bring some cash and grab a delicious lunch from teen entrepreneur Haley Hodel. Get a smash burger, chicken tenders or ice cream - see full menu below.

About Graize

 

MENU

Smash Burgers

Single - $7.00
Double - $8.50
Triple - $10.50


Chicken Tenders

3 Piece - $5.50
5 Piece - $8.50
Dipping Sauce - $0.50 each


Sides

Fries - $4.00
with Cheese - $4.50 


Kids Meal

Mini burger or 2 piece chicken tenders served with drink, fries or applesauce - $7.00


Drinks

Bottled water or Soda - $2.00


Ice Cream

Soft serve cone or dish - $3.50
Large - $4.75
Toppings - $0.50 each

Oreo, cookie dough, sprinkles, brownie, Reese's, nuts, Heath, chocolate chips, hot fudge, M&M's 

 


Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for homeschool students who are:

  • In high school or approaching high school
  • Beginning to explore career possibilities
  • Planning for college or trade school
  • Interested in entrepreneurship
  • Considering military service
  • Looking for part-time employment or internships
  • Unsure what comes after graduation

Parents are encouraged to attend alongside their students.

 


Career Fair Schedule

8:30 a.m. Doors open

9 a.m. Introduction & Opening Speaker

9:20 a.m. Employer Lightning Round

9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Employer Hall Open

10 a.m. Breakout Sessions - Interview Skills and How to Start a Business

10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions (repeat)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Graize Mobile Kitchen & Creamery open for lunch

11:30 a.m. Homeschool Graduate Panel

11:50 a.m. Door Prizes, Closing

12:30 to 3:30 p.m. ASVAB Testing

 


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the event free?

Yes! Admission is completely FREE and intended for Central Illinois homeschool high school students.

Do parents attend too?

Absolutely. Parents are encouraged to attend with their students and participate throughout the event.

What should students bring?

Bring curiosity, questions, and a notebook if you'd like to take notes. Students staying for the ASVAB should also bring a lunch or purchase an optional boxed lunch.

I went to the first career fair back in January. What’s new?

Our first career fair was a great success, and now we're making it even better!

✔ More employers

✔ More opportunities

✔ New breakout sessions

✔ Expanded networking time

✔ Optional ASVAB testing after the event

✔ Graize Mobile Kitchen & Creamery

If you came last time, you'll find even more to discover. If you missed it... now's your chance!

Do I need to register?

Yes. Please register in advance so we can plan for attendance and ASVAB testing.

 


Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

Whether your student already has a career goal or is simply exploring the possibilities, the Homeschool Career Fair offers an encouraging environment to ask questions, make connections, and discover what's next.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 3!

Explore. Connect. Discover Your Future.

 

 


Peoria Area Association of Christian Homeschoolers


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Connect with Us

For questions regarding newsletter submissions, the Homeschool Convention or home education in general, please send an email to peoriapaach@gmail.com. A Board member will respond as soon as possible.

 

Mailing Address: PAACH | P.O. Box 5203 | Peoria, IL 61601

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