TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) welcomed more than 450 children, parents and mentors to a career exploration event at the Florida Capitol during Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Children joined their parents to tour more than two dozen 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, “We are thrilled to host the annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day again. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with these students and inspire them to reach their full potential. DEO is invested in the future of Florida’s workforce and we strive to provide opportunities for anyone who wants a job in Florida. This event demonstrates just how important it is to educate children in our state and prepare them for their future careers."

Throughout the day, attendees participated in interactive exhibits from educational institutions, organizations and state agencies, that highlighted the importance of education and growing employment fields in the state. Featured exhibitors included the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, VISIT FLORIDA, Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Pharmacy, WTXL television station and Space Florida.

Michelle Dennard, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida, said, “Connecting our children with opportunities for meaningful, rewarding employment and ideas to inspire their future success is one of the most important jobs we have as parents, teachers, mentors and leaders. Today’s students are Florida’s future workforce, and for our state to be the best place to live and do business, we must ensure our incoming generation of workers has the knowledge, skills and passion to compete globally into the next decade and beyond.”

Stephen Jackson, a third-grade student from The School of Arts & Sciences at The Centre, said, “For me, a day like today symbolizes inspiration. Motivating us all to dream big and without limits.”

Lily Smith, a third-grade student from Trinity Catholic School, said, “I am honored to share my dreams today of becoming a geologist like my grandfather. I hope today helped us all dream big for our future.”

DEO hosts a career exploration event on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day 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, dedicated to developing innovative strategies and research-based activities in informal educational programs that empower girls and boys in all sectors of society.

To view Governor Scott’s proclamation for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day in Florida, click here.

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and jobseekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

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