EPIC (Exploring Potential Interests and Careers) is a vibrant community collaboration in Central Minnesota, committed to delivering engaging, hands-on experiences that empower students to explore and navigate diverse career pathways. Established in 2018 by a group of forward-thinking employers in the St. Cloud area, EPIC emerged to fill a critical gap: the need for a dedicated career exploration event for high school students.

At the heart of EPIC's mission is EPIC Student Day, a large-scale, interactive career exploration event primarily for 10th graders, held annually at St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC). Since its debut in 2019, when it welcomed 2,250 students and over 100 employers and educators, EPIC Student Day has grown exponentially. Today, it attracts more than 4,500 students from 43 school districts across 33 towns and 11 counties, along with over 150 employers—all coming together for one exhilarating day of career discovery.

What sets EPIC apart is its hands-on, immersive approach. Unlike traditional career fairs, where students may feel hesitant to engage with employers, EPIC redefines the experience by requiring companies to offer engaging, 10-minute activities tailored to high schoolers. Employers are grouped by Career Clusters, encouraging collaboration—even among competitors—to create meaningful, student-centered experiences. This innovative approach breaks down barriers and fosters lasting connections between students and employers.

This approach fosters better interactions with employers while aligning with how students prefer to explore careers. A brief survey is sent to students to gather feedback on their experiences and general thoughts about careers. Half of the respondents expressed a desire to learn about careers by hearing directly from professionals in various occupations. Additionally, 17% indicated a preference for taking a careers class. Both preferences highlight the importance of building strong partnerships with employers.

Employers eagerly return year after year, not only to connect with future talent but also to support EPIC financially—business donations fund more than 75% of the initiative's annual budget. They value the opportunity to collaborate with industry peers on creative, impactful activities. One standout example from this year was in the Manufacturing Cluster, where students rotated through stations to build a mini ATV. Local manufacturers teamed up to design the ATV, supply the components, and guide students through the assembly process, offering a real-world glimpse into the manufacturing field.

One of the most rewarding aspects of EPIC Student Day is witnessing its transformative impact. Watching students' eyes light up as they discover careers they hadn't considered—or even knew existed—makes all the planning worthwhile. As one student enthusiastically remarked, "It's so cool that there are so many different careers here, and we get to experience them hands-on."

These moments of discovery fuel the passion and ongoing success of EPIC, inspiring students and employers alike year after year.

For More Information

Contact Luke Greiner, Labor Market Analyst, at luke.greiner@state.mn.us