Discover Career Pathways: Days Off Program for High School Students

Programming Dates

Select from the following:

Days OFF! Career Pathways in Higher Education @ Portland State University

Colleges and universities are bustling ecosystems with countless career paths, from being a Principle Investigator of a research lab, to working in Student Health, College Administration, or Student Employment, there is an expansive world of opportunities at every university. In this Days Off! program hosted by Portland State University, high school students will go beyond a typical campus tour, exploring what it means to work at a university!

Participants will go behind the scenes in some of the world’s most innovative research labs and meet a lively variety of university staff. Amidst the hustle and bustle of university life, we'll also celebrate World Mental Health Day with a special stress management activity.

This experience is perfect for any student curious about attending college, working in research, teaching, or any of the wide range of social work positions available at a university.

Date: 10/10/25
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Address: 1930 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201
Districts off: All Oregon Public Schools & Vancouver Public Schools

Register Here

Days OFF! Careers in Theatrical Design @ University of Portland's Performing and Fine Arts Department

Happy Halloween!

In honor of this festive day of costumes and storytelling, Saturday Academy has curated a Days Off experience that will ~haunt~ you if you don’t attend! Hosted by the Department of Performing and Fine Arts at the University of Portland, we will explore careers in the professional world of theatrical design, complete with a costuming workshop, an inside look at theatre in a higher education space, and a chance to network with theater industry professionals all over Portland!

This Days Off experience is perfect for any student interested in the world of theater, storytelling and worldbuilding, design, technology, and the performing arts.

Districts off: Beaverton, David Douglas, Evergreen, Lake Oswego, Portland

Register Here

Days Off! Careers in Biomedical Research @ OHSU Oregon National Primate Research Center

Experience the cutting edge research at the Oregon National Primate Research Center! ONPRC's research helps us understand, prevent, and treat human disease. Learn all about careers in biomedical research from experts in reproductive biology, the science of aging, alcohol and drug use disorders, and infectious diseases. This special experience will give students an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes with the primate populations that make it all possible!

Bonus: this is one of our host sites for Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering. Attendees will learn more about this opportunity and get tips for their applications!

Districts off: Beaverton, Camas, David Douglas, Evergreen, Jesuit, Portland, Reynolds, Vancouver

Note: Students will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Register Here

Program Overview

What would it be like to have a job in an industry you are passionate about?

Join Saturday Academy, in this new initiative for 9-12 grade students, to hang with your peers and expand your world! Make the most of those days off from school by getting an inside look at the state’s leading STEAM-driven organizations.

Expand your world! Learn on the job with STEAM professionals! Meet your peers!

The Days Off Program is designed to provide students with a unique view of the inner workings and diverse career paths possible at host sites as unique as the real world problems their organizations work to solve. Each Day Off will visit a different local organization to explore career pathways and useful skills in that industry. Build a community of professional contacts via career panels, tours, and workshops, and have fun all while getting to know peers with shared interests.

Lunch included. Scholarships available!