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400+ Students Explore Careers at Women Can Do 2025

by Jillian Scannell

 

At Women Can Do 2025, 400+ high school girls and gender-expansive students joined Vermont Works for Women and over 80 Vermont employers and partners for a day of hands-on career exploration at Vermont State University – Randolph. Students spent the day exploring STEM and trades careers, meeting local employers, and expanding their sense of what’s possible in education and career pathways.

Hands-on Exploration

At the Indoor and Outdoor Action Expos students gained a new understanding of various careers by getting their hands dirty, using tools and equipment, and talking with industry professionals. 

Students explore technology at a table at Women Can Do High school students cut tile using a saw at Women Can Do

 

 

 

 

A chilly morning didn’t stop students from trying all the activities at the Outdoor Action Expo. Students learned new skills like how to climb trees, operate heavy machinery, weld metal, fly airplanes, use power tools like saws and drills, and much more!   

At the Indoor Action Expo students learned about everything from crime scene investigation to food science and chemistry to engineering and 3D printing. While exploring various activities, students were able to talk with professionals, learning about their career journeys to their current roles.  

Resource Hall

In the Resource Hall, students accessed a variety of services, employers, and support organizations aimed at preparing them for life after high school. 30+ businesses and nonprofits provided insight, guidance, and resources to help them get connected to all that Vermont has to offer. One student shared, “All the tables were so welcoming answering questions.” 

Student talks with CCV during the Resource Hall at Women Can Do 2025Student talks with TD Bank during the Resource Hall at Women Can Do

 

 

 

 

Student Feedback

At the end of the conference, we asked students to share about their experience at Women Can Do. Here’s some of what they had to say:  

  • “I can do much more than I thought!”
  • “No matter how I look or what gender I am, I can do anything”
  • “I ⁠have a lot of options I can explore and I really enjoyed driving heavy machinery”
  • “Science is cool and maybe I might do something with it.” 
  • “I was encouraged and supported” 
  • “I can do many jobs that I didn’t know I could do before.” 
  • “Someone I didn’t know cheered me on 🙂”
  • “I have a better idea of the careers I want (film!)” 
  • “I felt included and supported in everything” 

 

Women Can Do By the Numbers

  • 418 students from 13 of 14 Vermont counties, 67% from low-income schools
  • 96% of students reported higher knowledge of opportunities available to them
  • 95% of students reported an increased understanding of personal capabilities
  • 96% of students expanded their awareness of what women and gender-expansive individuals are capable of

 

If you missed Women Can Do this year and would like to be involved next year, email our team at womencando@vtworksforowomen.org. If you’d like to learn more about VWW’s programs and career exploration opportunities, please reach out to Megg Roberge Dulude at mdulude@vtworksforwomen.org.

A special thank you to our 2025 Women Can Do supporters for helping to inspire Vermont’s next-generation workforce.

 

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