Connect Tri-Cities Event To Be Held October 22

What: Connect Tri-Cities includes an opportunity fair, STEM competition, veterans outreach, resume and interview assistance, science demonstrations, networking, and more. More than $5,000 in giveaways, including books, Chromebooks, wireless headphones and Hydro Flasks will be given away during “Geek Speak” and “University Hall” presentations (must be present to win). All events are free and open to the public (except for the luncheon and the STEM competition.)

Who: Connect Tri-Cities brings together job seekers, employers, educators, labor, Tribes, veterans and industry to build the local workforce of the future. Connect Tri-Cities is a unique community event championed by TRIDEC and sponsored by Hanford contractor Mission Support Alliance and their corporate partners Leidos and Centerra Group.

Why: Connect Tri-Cities is designed to enable career paths and job connections and is a unique opportunity to engage with the Tri-Cities community, small businesses and the young minds of our future.

Where: Three Rivers Convention Center; 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd. in Kennewick

When:
Monday, Oct. 21
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – High School STEM Scholarship Competition Finals
The top five teams from our preliminary competition will participate in a final competition for more than $20,000 in scholarships. Winners will be announced at the Networking Reception on Tuesday, October 22. Media outlets interested in covering this should work with our media contact for arrangements.

Tuesday, Oct. 22
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Opportunity Fair and Resume/Interview Support
Join more than 70 organizations, including organized labor, educators, local businesses and Hanford contractors to learn about employment opportunities. Over 1,200 high school students will be bussed in for the event. Human Resources experts will be available to provide resume and interview support.
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – University Hall
Meet representatives from northwest colleges and universities. Hear from presenters on topics such as building your social capital and career engagement.

• 8:30 a.m.; 10 a.m.; 4 p.m. – Social Capital with Edward DeJesus, Author and Speaker
• 9:15 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.; 1:45 p.m. – Career Engagement with M. Semi Bird, Behavioral Scientist and Professional Development Speaker
• 2:30 p.m. – Exploring Careers at Hanford with Brian Vance, Manager, Office of River Protection/Richland Operations Office, U.S. DOE
• 3:15 p.m. – Different Rules, Same Tools: Our Transition to Civilian Life and Careers with Joe Aiello and Bryan Jewell, Engineers with Bechtel and Veterans

7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Geek Speak
Engage with science and technology experts through a variety of live and virtual presentations throughout the day.

• 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. – Science on YouTube with Dr. Sally Le Page, Biologist and Science Communicator
• 9:15 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.; 1:45 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. – Experience Science with Kevin Delaney, Science Educator (and guest star on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon)
• 10 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 3:15 p.m. – Digital Media Journey with Lance Frisbee, Digital Media Influencer and Professional Gamer

4:30 – 6 p.m. – Networking Reception
STEM Competition results will be announced, with award of $20,000 to the top three teams. Enjoy appetizers, a no-host bar and a live band.