A workforce development initiative that has connected thousands of Montgomery County students with local employers has earned national recognition, and the program’s organizers are already building on that momentum heading into 2026.
The Montgomery County Commerce Department’s Careers of Tomorrow initiative has been named a Large EDO Award winner by Business Facilities magazine, featured in the publication’s May/June 2026 issue.
The award recognizes outstanding economic development organizations serving communities with populations over 500,000. Montgomery County was honored for its innovative, coordinated approach to career awareness and its measurable impact on the regional workforce pipeline.
A Program Built Around Real-World Career Exploration
Careers of Tomorrow was launched in 2019 by the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board — known as MontCoWorks — a constituent board of the Montgomery County Commerce Department, with support through the county’s Commerce budget.
The initiative was created to address a clear and urgent need: strengthening the talent pipeline for the future across Montgomery County and Southeast Pennsylvania.
Its goals center on raising awareness of in-demand career pathways, connecting employers with students and educators, and providing accessible labor market information through a biennial publication covering 25 high-priority career paths.
At the heart of the program is an annual multi-industry career expo that has grown to engage more than 60 employers and over 1,000 middle and high school students each year.
Unlike traditional career fairs, the expo emphasizes hands-on engagement — students step into interactive environments where they can see, touch, and experience career pathways in advanced manufacturing, the building trades, healthcare, information technology, energy, education, and public safety, while employers demonstrate equipment and offer a real-world perspective on what it takes to succeed.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the impact Careers of Tomorrow has on students,” said Jennifer Butler, Deputy Director/Executive Director of MontcoWorks. “Seeing young people engage directly with employers, ask questions, and begin to picture themselves in future careers is what this work is all about. The Careers of Tomorrow initiative is truly driven by local employers who generously share their expertise to help bring learning to life. That hands-on exposure helps students build confidence, clarity, and a real sense of possibility about what comes next.
The Work Behind the Event
Much of the expo’s consistency and growth since 2022 reflects the dedicated production work of Melinda Onchitta, who coordinates the event annually. Her work across dozens of employers, schools, and county partners has been central to making Careers of Tomorrow a high-impact, reliable experience year after year.
Montgomery County Workforce Development Board Chair Suzanne Ryan underscores the broader significance of that commitment.
“This award speaks to Montgomery County’s ongoing investment in its workforce,” she stated. “With the support of the County Commissioners, MontcoWorks can connect education and industry in ways that create real opportunities for students. It’s exciting to see that work recognized on a national stage.”
What’s New in 2026
Building on seven years of proven impact, Careers of Tomorrow is expanding its scope with a new STEM-focused version of the expo, deepening student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math career pathways.
New for 2026, the initiative also adds an adult career fair following the student expo, extending the program’s reach to job seekers actively navigating career transitions.
The 2026 Careers of Tomorrow Career Expo is scheduled for Oct. 20, 2026, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.
A Resource That Extends Beyond the Expo
The Careers of Tomorrow initiative is anchored by the Careers of Tomorrow publication, a biennial guide offering data-informed insights into the county’s priority industries and career pathways. The resource helps students, families, and educators continue exploring career options and planning next steps long after the expo concludes — keeping Montgomery County’s workforce priorities visible and accessible throughout the year.
Programs like Careers of Tomorrow are helping build the talent pipeline that will drive Montgomery County’s future economy. By connecting students with local employers, industry professionals, and real-world career experiences, these initiatives create stronger pathways from the classroom to the workforce while helping businesses engage with and inspire the next generation of talent.
To learn more about Montgomery County’s workforce development initiatives and economic opportunities, visit the Montgomery County Commerce Department.
Organizations interested in getting involved in Careers of Tomorrow or other talent pipeline programming can contact Onchitta via email at [email protected] or by calling 610-278-5950.
