Businesses and organizations that have a vested interest in hiring young talent are invited to consider signing up for the annual Athens High School career expo.

The event will feature 25 to 30 local groups, including businesses, industries, branches of the military, colleges and public safety agencies. It will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, in the high school gymnasium.

The expo will enable 1,000 students from the high school and Renaissance School to meet with these professionals and learn more about a career in each field. Participating businesses are encouraged to engage in question-and-answer sessions with interested students.

A grant from the Athens City School Foundation to Athens High School Business Academy teachers Brandi Foster, Lori Jones and Shaneka Wallace helped make the expo possible. Student volunteers from the Future Business Leaders of America and Career and Technical Student Organization will also provide assistance to vendors and students.

There were 10 booth spaces available as of Friday. When asked what kind of businesses or industries would be desirable for the remaining slots, Jones said businesses that cater to students in the fields of health science, engineering or business would be welcome. She would also be interested in hearing from businesses or industries that hire students out of high school.

“We’ve also invited some colleges because I think college is still important, but students need to know there are great jobs and careers that don’t require you to go to college,” Jones said.

Jones said the purpose of the expo is to embrace the school system’s motto of “One Athens” by bringing together students and experts from a variety of backgrounds.

“It’s helpful to our students to be able to speak to the businesses and find out what their expectations are and what certifications (the students) may need,” she said. “Plus, we have it at the school so students don’t have to travel and lose that valuable class time.”

Groups that want to be a part of the expo are encouraged to contact Jones at 256-233-6613 or email Lori.Jones@acs-k12.org.