As part of its Workforce Development initiative, the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) hosted two Reverse Job Fair events this past spring to help youth build career readiness and connect with local employers. Held at Toppenish High School on April 30th and Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-Tech) on May 15, 2025. A total of 126 youth participated, across both events.
In addition to Toppenish High School, YCDA partnered with Swan Graphics Vocational Enterprises for the April 30th event. As part of their preparation, Swan Graphics participants took part in two in-person workshops led by Transcend Leadership Collective, focusing on resume building, professionalism, Future Economic Opportunity, and interview preparation. Adding a layer of support for students to confidently engage with employers and present their skills in a compelling way.
Unlike traditional job fairs, these events flipped the script–putting students in the driver’s seat. Participants hosted their own booths, where they presented resumes, certifications, completed projects, and career goals to local professionals who visited them. The event really put an emphasis on the job seeker, allowing participants to practice communication skills and present themselves professionally in a familiar environment.
Building a Strong Talent Pipeline
The Reverse Job Fair model supports YCDA’s mission to strengthen Workforce Development in Yakima County. Students were given the opportunity to showcase their technical and soft skills through conversation with industry professionals, while employers gained a glimpse to our youth-talent pool.
The events also allowed for new relationships between schools and the business community–supporting long-term efforts to build a strong pipeline aligned with local workforce needs and bridging the gap between education and employment.
By organizing events like the Reverse Job Fair, YCDA continues to push forward its Workforce Development initiative–one of four key initiatives that also include Business Retention & Expansion, Business Recruitment, and Infrastructure Development. Working towards an improved economy and better quality of life throughout Yakima County.
The Reverse Job Fair Events were made possible due to funding from YCDA Investors, the Community Reinvestment Project (funded through South Central Workforce), Wells Fargo, and grants from Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (WEDFA), and the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA).
