High School Career Exploration Opportunities!

Published On: February 8, 2026

High School Career Exploration Opportunities!

Sip & Submit: FAFSA Support

Enjoy a free hot chocolate while getting help completing your FAFSA!

Completing the FAFSA gives you access to free financial aid, including Pell Grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities—money that helps make college more affordable.

Future college students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible.

Need help? Schedule an appointment with our College and Career Transition Counselor, Danielle Harris, for one-on-one support.

Feb 12 – UNI College Visit 

When: 8:30-9:30 AM | Where: High School Guidance Office

Feb 12 – Accumold in Ankeny

Accumold is hosting an advanced manufacturing event on Thursday, February 12 from 5:30-7:00 PM for high school students and their families. A pizza dinner and a tour of the Accumold manufacturing facility provided. DMACC and Accumold will present information regarding the Accumold Scholars program for DMACC students enrolling in the Tool & Die or Robotics & Control Systems Engineering Technology programs at the DMACC Ankeny campus. RSVP by Friday, February 6. Contact Meaghan or Stuart at HUMANRESOURCES@ACCU-MOLD.COM or call (515) 964-5741.

Feb 17 – Career Exploration: Law Enforcement

Interested in a career where you help others, solve problems, and build strong community connections? Law enforcement offers exciting opportunities and room to grow. Join Officer Roger Drown from the Altoona Police Department to learn what the job is really like, the skills you need, and how to start a career in the field.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, Feb. 19
Time: 10:30–11:15 AM
Location: HS Multi-Purpose Room

Explore Career Paths
Law enforcement is more than patrol. Learn about roles such as:

  • K-9 Handler & Animal Control
  • CSI & Intelligence Analyst
  • Drone Pilot & SWAT
  • Dispatcher & Evidence Technician
  • FBI Specialties & Command Staff

Sign Up and Discover if this career path is right for you!

Questions?
Contact our College and Career Transition Counselor:
Danielle Harris – Danielle.Harris@southeastpolk.org

Feb 24 – SEP Career & Apprenticeship Fair

Don’t wait until graduation day to plan your next step. Join us for the SEP Career & Apprenticeship Fair on February 24!

Whether you’re interested in a high-paying skilled trade or exploring local career opportunities that match your interests, this event is a great opportunity for students and families to connect directly with industry professionals.

Event Details
Date: February 24
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Southeast Polk High School
Target Audience: Grades 10–12 (it’s never too early to start networking!)
Attendees:  25+ local employers and apprenticeship programs
View Flyer for additional details

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Mediacom Communications, Habitat for Humanity of Iowa, Iowa Laborers Education and Training Fund, Dollars for Scholars, Athletico, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 (IA), Baker Group, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, Van Wall Equipment, Morrison Tech, Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship, Vermeer Corporation, U.S. Air Force ROTC, U.S. Flight Co., MidAmerican Energy Company, Prairie Meadows, The Driller, LLC, PDM Precast, Carpenters Local 106, the United States Army, Axis Therapy Centers, McAninch Corporation, Heat and Frost Insulators Local 74, and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 33.

Questions? Contact Darell Butcher at darell.butcher@southeastpolk.org

Feb 25 – Collage Fair 

Johnston High School is sponsoring a college fair on February 25, 2026, from 5:30-7:00 PM. All area high school students are invited to attend the Johnston High School College Fair as over 50 colleges will be in attendance. High school students should enter door #2 to register for the college fair.

April 25 – Iowa Hero Academy 

The Iowa Hero Academy seeks young women interested in pursuing a career as a first responder. This week-long experience is provided at NO COST to the 16-18 year-old females in attendance. The Iowa Hero Academy will be held July 27-31 1 at Camp Dodge in Johnston. The Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines Fire Department, Iowa National Guard, and the Iowa National Air Guard provide hands-on training and drills in firefighting, law enforcement, and military exercises and decision-making. Interested 16-18 year-old females should apply at https://desmoines.rja.revize.com/forms/13412 by April 25, 2026.

Summer Internship Opportunity – MidAmerican Energy

MidAmerican Energy Company is now accepting applications for its paid summer internship program. High school interns will participate in eight weeks of meaningful, hands-on work while exploring a variety of career pathways within the energy industry. To learn more and apply for the MidAmerican Energy Company Summer High School Internship Program, click here.