Oxford, AL – The Worlds of Work (WOW) event, held annually in Oxford, Alabama, has made a remarkable impact on the region’s students, and this year was no exception. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event hit a major milestone—reaching its 50,000th student since its inception. Held from March 10 through March 12, 2025, WOW continues to provide eighth graders and high school juniors with valuable career exploration opportunities, guiding them toward a future full of potential.
The three-day event featured over 100 different career pathways across distinct zones, ranging from Automotive and Modern Manufacturing to Public Safety and Healthcare. Students had the chance to engage with industry leaders, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities that showcased the wide variety of professions available to them.
For Alabama State Senator Keith Kelley, attending the WOW event year after year has been an important part of his commitment to the future workforce. “Did you see anything about Worlds of Work or come in here while you wanted to be here today? Well, I’ll say it and then you can pretty it up,” Kelley said. “Yes, sir. I wanted to be here. I’ve come to these for the last several years. One is to go around and talk to all the work folks that are here and then also to talk to some of the kids to let them tell me what they like and what they see and what they get out of it. That helps us know what we can do to try to help them in the future and help them know what they’re looking at, what interests them.”
Kelley emphasized that the event helps students gain insight into potential career paths while providing them with the opportunity to connect with local professionals who can serve as mentors. “I think it’s a great event because it allows the students to see and to really start thinking and getting serious about what they want to do as a career path. It also allows them to see people that they see in their neighborhoods that they can go talk to to learn more about the different career paths they see.”
The importance of workforce development was echoed by Mike Raita, a representative from Senator Tommy Tuberville’s office. “You know, the senator is a big proponent of workforce development. He understands that for Alabama to move forward and to draw high-tech industry, it has to have a workforce that can fill those jobs. To that end, he is a huge proponent of career tech education, and the folks at East Alabama Works do a wonderful job exposing young people to more than a hundred different career pathways that they can pursue,” Raita explained.
The WOW event has been instrumental in shaping students’ futures by exposing them to a diverse range of industries. This year’s expo was a true testament to the power of collaboration. Oxford Mayor Alton Craft emphasized the importance of partnerships between businesses, government, and educational institutions in providing students with opportunities to discover their potential. Carl Brady, Workforce Program Manager with East Alabama Works!, emphasized the practical nature of the expo, where students engaged directly with career presenters and companies. He highlighted the significance of introducing students to careers they may have never considered, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, who often lack exposure to diverse career options.
“This event highlights the collaborative efforts between our community partners—businesses, local governments, and schools—all working together to create a brighter future for our students,” Mayor Craft said. “It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when we join forces for the greater good.”
The keynote address by Miller Girvin, President of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, further underscored the significance of such initiatives. Girvin spoke about the need for skilled workers in Alabama, particularly as the state continues to attract high-tech industries. “We must align our educational programs with industry demands to ensure our students are ready to take on the workforce. The WOW event does just that—introducing students to real-world careers they might never have considered otherwise,” Girvin said.
This year, the WOW event reached a monumental achievement, impacting 50,000 students over the past decade. It serves as a powerful tool for young people to explore various career options and consider pathways they may not have otherwise encountered. The event’s organizers are committed to continuing this effort and expanding its reach, with the goal of preparing Alabama’s next generation for the evolving job market.
As students left the event, they carried with them a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. With support from educators, industry professionals, and career coaches, many students are now better equipped to make informed decisions about their futures. The WOW event stands as a shining example of how partnerships can transform education and career opportunities for young people.
With the continued success of WOW, Alabama is positioning itself as a state that prioritizes workforce development, preparing students for careers that will shape the future of its economy.
