TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) welcomed more than 350 children, parents, and mentors to the 2016 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event at the Florida Capitol. Children joined their parents to tour more than 20 exhibits from a wide variety of organizations, while participating in interactive, hands-on activities and learning about the many career opportunities available to them in the Sunshine State.

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “The goal of today’s event is to show Florida’s future workforce the importance of education to their success, empower them to explore new ideas and expose them to the exciting careers available right here in Florida. Students were able to see a direct correlation between what they’re learning in the classroom and how that knowledge will help them make their career goals a reality.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive exhibits from educational institutions, organizations, and state agencies highlighting the importance of education and growing employment fields in the state. Students were able to not only shadow their parents, but gain exposure to a diverse range of career options.

Carlos Villa, K-12 Education Outreach Coordinator for the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory said, “Curiosity leads to innovation, and curiosity is a part of today’s successful Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event. It was wonderful to see the students explore and interact with possible careers, while learning about the options that lay ahead of them. They were encouraged to think about how their actions can shape their futures and the future of Florida. The Mag Lab was proud to participate in this year’s event, and we hope we’ve helped spark the curiosity of the parents and children in attendance.”

DEO hosts the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day event each year at the Florida Capitol. Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is a nationwide initiative of the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation, a program that encourages girls and boys to dream big without gender limitations and discover the possibilities that come with a balanced work and family life.

For more photos of the event, email media@deo.myflorida.com.