18/09/2026
McCLUER HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR PUTS FUTURE PATHS IN FRONT OF STUDENTS
By VOTP News STL Staff
September 18, 2026
FLORISSANT, Mo. — Students across the Ferguson Florissant School District had an opportunity Thursday to look beyond high school and explore what could come next during a College and Career Fair held at McCluer High School.
VOTP News STL attended the event, where students were able to speak directly with representatives from colleges, universities, career and technical programs, internship organizations, skilled trades, first responders and branches of the military.
Among the schools represented were St. Louis Community College, the University of Missouri St. Louis, Missouri State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Maryville University, Missouri Baptist University, Westminster College, Indiana State University and Millikin University.
Students were able to explore programs ranging from healthcare, nursing and technology to aviation, political science, criminal justice, education, business, skilled trades and military service.
One of the biggest takeaways was not simply the number of opportunities available, but the number of students who showed up ready to learn about them.
VOTP News STL saw teenagers walking from table to table on their own, asking questions, collecting information and seriously considering what they want their lives to look like after graduation.
That deserves some recognition.
Young people are often criticized for being disconnected, unmotivated or unconcerned about their futures. What we witnessed at McCluer painted a much different picture. Students were engaged, curious and excited about opportunities that could shape the next several years of their lives.
During conversations at the fair, one faculty member also stressed the importance of parents attending these events alongside their children.
While it was encouraging to see students taking initiative independently, having a parent or guardian present can add another level of support. Parents can ask questions about tuition, scholarships, admissions requirements, financial aid, housing, career outcomes and other details a teenager may not immediately think to ask.
The fair also provided students with information about scholarships and financial assistance. Southeast Missouri State University, for example, displayed information about an A+ Scholarship opportunity for students completing Missouri’s A+ Program.
For families who were unable to attend, the district encourages students and parents to connect with their college and career readiness specialists to learn about additional college, internship, trade, career and service opportunities.
VOTP News STL wants to give a special acknowledgment to the students who showed up and took their futures seriously.
Keep asking questions. Keep researching. Keep applying. Keep planning.
There is more than one road after high school, and events like this help students understand just how many roads are actually available.
Source: Ferguson Florissant School District and VOTP News STL on scene coverage
