May 29th, 2025 – Eighth grade students from Profile Middle School and Lisbon Regional School came together to Littleton, New Hampshire for the second annual PACE Career Exploration Day. This immersive event offered students a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of local businesses and explore a wide range of potential careers.
Organized by Jennifer Gilbert, North Country PACE Coordinator for the Education Alliance for New Hampshire, the event was part of the federally funded PACE (Persistence and Continuing Education) program, which supports college and career readiness for middle and high school students across the northern tier of the state.
The participating businesses were invited to share their professional and educational journeys, helping students understand the many paths to career success. Gilbert emphasized the importance of building these connections with students in the North Country, “when students connect with someone in the field in a positive, hands-on way, it sticks. They might not remember exactly what you said, but they’ll remember how you made them feel—welcomed, curious, and excited about what’s possible. It’s those little moments during events like Career Exploration Day that can truly shape how they see themselves and their future.”
This year, 17 businesses took part in the event, seven more than last year—demonstrating strong community support and interest in youth career development. Participating organizations included:
- Adam Nyborg Construction
- Baba Yaga
- Coldwell Banker Real Estate
- Gale River Cooperative School
- Harden Law Offices
- Little Village Toy & Book Shop
- Littleton Bike & Fitness
- Littleton CrossFit
- Littleton Fire Department
- Littleton Police Department
- Mountain Medical Spa and Laser
- North Country Health Consortium
- Santilli Dentistry
- Tailswag
- The Loading Dock
- Ward Law Group
- White Mountains Canning Co.
Leading up to the event, the PACE team conducted workshops to help students reflect on their interests and prepare thoughtful questions for business hosts.
Dan DeMoras, owner of White Mountains Canning Co., shared his entrepreneurial journey, reminding students that while the products and services may differ, the foundation of any business lies in understanding basic business principles. He shared, “whether you’re running a pet shop, a bookstore, or a canning company, the fundamentals are the same. If you understand them, you can build a business around any passion.”
Keynote speaker Lynne Grigelevich, Executive Director of Theatre UP, echoed this message of exploration and authenticity. She encouraged students to follow what makes them happy and to embrace change, sharing “Try things. See what sparks your interest,” she said. “And remember—it’s okay to change your mind along the way.”
Looking ahead, the Education Alliance for New Hampshire plans to expand PACE Career Exploration Day events to include additional sites in Littleton, Berlin, and Colebrook during the 2025–26 school year.
Businesses interested in inspiring the next generation of workers and leaders are encouraged to get involved. Contact PACE Coordinator Jennifer Gilbert at gilbert@edalliancenh.org to learn more.