Skip to Content

Career Exploration at Women Can Do

by Jillian Scannell

 

At Women Can Do 2026, 400+ high school girls and gender-expansive students joined Vermont Works for Women and over 75 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 use hands-on tools at Women Can Do Student uses a saw at Women Can Do with HACTC

 

 

 

 

Students were incredibly engaged and excited to try all the activities at the Outdoor Action Expo. They learned new skills like how to climb trees, operate heavy machinery, weld metal, 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. Businesses and nonprofits provided insight, guidance, and resources to help connect students to all that Vermont has to offer. One student shared, “I loved how everyone was so welcoming and encouraging.”

Excited student talking with an exhibitor at Women Can DoStudent talks with Women of Asphalt at Women Can Do Resource Hall

 

 

 

 

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 more than I thought!”
  • “Today was fun and interesting. Everything was so engaging.”
  • “I discovered interests I didn’t have before!”
  • “I can do hard things.”
  • “Women Can Do opened my eyes to new jobs and opportunities.”
  • “I loved how everyone was so welcoming and encouraging.”
  • “I can do anything!!!!”
  • “Everyone was so nice that I wasn’t afraid to try new things.”

 

Women Can Do 2026 By the Numbers

  • 400+ students from 13 of 14 Vermont counties
  • 98% of students reported higher knowledge of opportunities available to them
  • 97% of students reported an increased understanding of personal capabilities
  • 97% 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 at mdulude@vtworksforwomen.org.

A special thank you to our 2026 Women Can Do supporters for helping to inspire Vermont’s next-generation workforce.

 

  • Posted in Women can do
  • Comments Off on Career Exploration at Women Can Do