March 25 – 27, 2026
School of Education
Career Exploration Expo 2026
Permission to Explore
The Career Expo is a three-day immersive experience built around this year's theme: Permission to Explore. Designed to bring together students and education-focused organizations, the Expo creates meaningful opportunities for connection, conversations, and possibility.
In education, you don't have to wait for someone to grant you approval to make an impact — you already have the power to shape lives, influence systems, and create generational change. This experience invites you to give yourself permission to explore boldly — across teaching, counseling, leadership, education policy, research, and youth-serving nonprofits — while engaging directly with professionals and organizations doing this work every day.
Together, we are building bridges between emerging educators and the institutions that are shaping the future of education.
Your 3-day experiment in “what's next” starts Wednesday, March 25 at 4:45 PM ET.
Opening Remarks
Dr. Joyce E. King Sets the Tone
Nationally acclaimed scholar of Black education and Benjamin E. Mays Endowed Chair at Georgia State University, Dr. King will open the Expo with a call to see education as both inheritance and responsibility.
Countdown to Career Expo
Mark your calendar — the Expo begins Wednesday, March 25 at 4:45 PM ET.
Explore Your Options
You don't need a plan yet. Come curious, leave with clarity about what's out there.
Meet Real People
Every organization sends people who hire, mentor, or do the work. Talk to them directly.
Howard-Centered
Every partner was selected because they actively recruit and support HBCU graduates.
Three Days, Three Ways to Explore
The Expo is designed to help students and partners build meaningful connections across all three days. Instead of walking past tables once, participants have multiple chances each day to engage in conversations, ask questions, attend workshops, and explore different pathways in depth.
You are encouraged to attend one day or all three so you can maximize your networking, learning, and impact.
Wednesday, March 25
In-Person Workshops
4:45 PM – 7:30 PM
Dress in business professional attire and get practical experience in a room full of education professionals. Network, learn, and practice the skills employers are looking for.
- Classroom management & student engagement
- Teacher & student wellbeing
- Resume, interviewing & telling your story
Thursday, March 26
School & Org Visits
Morning, Flexible
Dress in business professional attire and visit local schools and organizations in DC/MD/VA. See workplaces firsthand, meet staff, and explore different career pathways.
- Visit local schools & classrooms
- Tour nonprofit & youth-serving orgs
- Meet educators & leaders in their spaces
Friday, March 27
Virtual Sessions
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dress in business professional attire and drop into info sessions, panels, and 1:1 interviews from anywhere on your schedule. Make a strong impression on camera.
- Organization info sessions & panels
- Small-group conversations with partners
- One-on-one interviews & coffee chats
Schedule at a Glance
Three days, three formats — pick what works for you or attend all three.
Career Readiness Workshops
In-PersonWednesday, March 25
Limited street parking or paid lot (2235 8th St. NW)
School Site Visits
In-PersonThursday, March 26
Virtual Interview & Information Sessions
VirtualFriday, March 27
“We currently have a 2025 Howard School of Education graduate teaching at Landmark. She has been nothing short of amazing and we would love to have the opportunity to meet and welcome more Howard University graduates to our school.”
Hear from Previous Attendees
Students and partners share what the Career Exploration Expo meant for their path.
Jasmine's Expo Experience
The Expo opened my eyes to paths in education I hadn't even considered — it completely expanded my sense of what's possible.
Jasmine
Howard University Alum
Ayo's Expo Experience
Partner organizations at this Expo genuinely invest in Howard students and graduates — the support doesn't stop at the fair table.
Ayo
Howard University Alum
Nya's Expo Experience
I was nervous going into it because I was a freshman, but I'm so glad I put myself out there and went because it truly exceeded my expectations.
Nya Young
Howard University Student
Participating Organizations
Every organization attending was selected because they actively recruit and support Howard University graduates.
Alexandria City Public Schools
Allentown School District
Baltimore City Public Schools
Baltimore County Schools
Beauvoir School
Bishop McNamara High School
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
DC Bilingual Public Charter School
DC Prep Public Charter Schools
DC Public Schools
E.L. Haynes Public Charter School
EdTrust
Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS East End Campus
Fredericksburg City Public Schools
Gloucester Township Public Schools
GO Tutor Corps
Hillsborough Township Public Schools
Howard University Counseling Service
KIPP DC Public Charter Schools
Landmark School
Learning Policy Institute
Lincoln Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Louisa County Public Schools
Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation
Mundo Verde Public Charter School
National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
National Education Association (Aspiring Educators Program)
New Paradigm For Education Public Charter Schools
NYC Public Schools
Prince George's County Public Schools
Southern Education Foundation
St. George's School (Building Bridges)
The Marshall Teacher Residency
The MECCA Group LLC
U.S. House of Representatives
Vision Hope and Healing LLC
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools