Fall 2025: What’s Next? Career Resource Fair

Written by:   wildfire

November 2025—Northampton County Economic Development and Northampton County Schools recently partnered to host the Fall 2025: What’s Next? Career Resource Summit. The event held on November 20, 2025, at the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center, involved students from Northampton County High School, Northeast Academy, Hertford County High School, and Warren County High School, along with a variety of representatives from local colleges, workforce programs, and industries.

To address the disconnect between the rising workforce and industry employers, the Economic Development team crafted the event to connect high school students with career resources. From companies seeking employees, to college and trade programs, to organizations dedicated to helping workforce development, everyone involved is committed was providing students with a path to success. The event opened with presentations from Halifax Community College, NC East Alliance, and Roanoke-Chowan Community College, then transitioned to a series of roundtable discussions with resource representatives to engage students in direct conversations.

A keynote address “Following the Career Trail” was given by Lowe’s Distribution Manager Vincent Dozier. The event was rounded out by a panel Q&A with Dr. Kelvin Edwards, Vice Chair of Northampton County’s Board of Commissioners; Holly Buck and Lee Brown, both from East Carolina University; Ed Atkins, plant manager of Enviva’s Northampton location; and Delmus Willis, HCC’s Director of Workforce and Continuing Education.

Duna Long, a member of the Turning Point Workforce Development Board, said “I think this was very creative of Northampton’s Economic Development Team to come up with this idea. I liked how they broke it into small groups so I could see more students.” She appreciated how many businesses came out to show their support for the community and the next generation.

Dr. Amy Draper, who serves as Northampton County Schools’ Director of Career and Technical Education, added, “Any exposure plants the seeds of growth for our students. We are educating our future workforce, and we need all the help we can get to prepare them to enter the jobs in our area. When our kids grow, the job market is better. And when the job market is better, economics are better in Northampton.”

Northampton County’s Economic Development team confirmed that this career resource event was the first part in a two-part initiative, the second part being a major career expo scheduled for Spring 2026. Stay tuned for details on the Spring 2026 Career Expo.

Derrick Bennett, Director of Economic Development                                   Shannon GodwinDerrick.bennett@nhcnc.netShannon.godwin@nhcnc.net