Beyond Hope Career Fair February 2026

Mary Schwartzkopf, Grainger, interacts with students during the Beyond Hope Career Expo on February 6, 2026, at Hauser Jr./Sr. High School in Hope, Ind. Photo credit: Bradley Dickens, submitted.

Bridging the gap between high school and the workforce, Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School held its annual Beyond High School Expo on Friday February 6.

Held in the Fieldhouse at Hauser, 41 businesses, educational institutions, and military branches attended to give students a glimpse into life after high school and to help them plan their road ahead.

The Hauser Agricultural Department and FFA chapter coordinates the event.

“We have added multiple vendors and have moved to the fieldhouse to accommodate the addition,” said Aleesa Dickerson, Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Hauser.

About 400 junior and senior high school students were able to get face time with representatives from perspective employers, trade schools, and universities.

“Students are making more career connections, becoming more interested in work-based learning, and seem to be more aware of their options when meeting with counselors about post high school planning,” Dickerson said.

Hauser also hosted Greensburg High School as part of this year’s event.

“Thank you to everyone who has participated and made this event a success,” Dickerson said. “We couldn’t do it without you.”

Below are the organizations that took part in the Beyond Hope School Expo:

USDA - Farm Service Agency
Valparaiso University
United States Marine Corp
Grainger
BAC Local4 In/Ky
INvestEd
Duck-creek gardens
Beck’s Hybrids
ABC Cutting Contractors
Bartholomew County Sheriffs Office
University of Indianapolis
United States Army
Lincoln Tech
Ivy Tech Community College
Honda Indiana Auto Plant
Malone Solutions
Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters
Farm Credit Mid-America
Keystone Cooperative
Milestone Contractors, LP
IU Columbus
Columbus Regional Hospital
Purdue University
Caldwell’s Inc.
Shelby Materials, Ready Mix Concrete and Aggregates
Ball State University
Bunge
F.A. Wilhelm Construction
Professional Concrete Cutting & Drilling
The Vet Tech Institute
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Columbus Indiana Fire Department
Weichert Realtors Home Group - Real Estate
Fastenal
Sleep medicine
University of Northwestern Ohio
Central Midwest Carpenters
Lowe’s Pellets & Grain, Inc.
Air and Space force
Elanco Animal Health
Ivy Tech - Vet Tech