THE TEEN EXPO × FOR THE FUTURE CONSULTING

Meet NEXT: Real Connections. Real Experience. A Stronger Future.

Discover careers beyond the classroom. NEXT connects eligible teens with screened business owners, professionals, and community organizations for guided career exploration, mentorship, and approved real-world learning experiences.

Exposure Yields Opportunity.

Who NEXT Is For

NEXT is designed for young people ages 16–18 who want to explore careers, build practical skills, and meet people working in fields that interest them. You do not need to have your future figured out to start exploring.

How NEXT Works for Teens

1. Express interest. Tell us about your interests, goals, availability, and the kinds of work you want to explore.
2. Complete eligibility and consent steps. Program staff review age eligibility and required parent or guardian permissions, where applicable.
3. Explore approved opportunities. The team reviews potential matches with screened hosts and confirms that an appropriate learning plan and supervision are in place.
4. Learn with support. Participate in the approved experience, check in with your coordinator, and reflect on skills gained.

Submitting an interest request does not guarantee acceptance, a placement, compensation, or a particular schedule.

For Business Owners and Mentors

Give a young person a meaningful introduction to your industry without having to build an entire youth program yourself. NEXT provides a structured intake and approval process so expectations are clear before a teen is placed.

1. Propose an opportunity. Share your business, location, schedule, named supervisor, learning activities, and whether the role is paid.
2. Complete host screening. Required site, adult, and safety checks must be completed before approval.
3. Agree on a learning plan. Identify age-appropriate activities, supervision, goals, and a coordinator contact.
4. Mentor and provide feedback. Confirm participation and help the young person understand the skills they are developing.

What Participants Can Explore

Potential areas include business and entrepreneurship, healthcare, technology, skilled trades, media and creative careers, education, finance, public service, and other industries where approved hosts can offer meaningful learning experiences. Opportunities depend on verified host availability.

Safety and Clear Expectations

Participant eligibility, consent, host screening, approved activities, supervision, and a named program contact are required before any placement begins. Hosts must follow applicable child-safety and employment laws. An experience is not automatically an unpaid internship; pay and labor-law requirements must be evaluated for each opportunity.

Get Involved

Interested teens and families: Tell us what you would like to explore. Businesses and professionals: Share a potential learning opportunity. Schools and community partners: Ask about collaborating with NEXT.

Contact The Teen Expo to express interest or discuss hosting. This is an inquiry pathway, not an open enrollment or approved-placement announcement.

Program Readiness

Enrollment and placement dates will be announced after program staffing, host approval, screening, consent, and supervision arrangements are confirmed.