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

Registration Closed

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

Careers in Automotive Technology | Days Off! @ Jaguar Land Rover

At JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) Portland, experts in engineering and user experience (UX) collaborate to create the optimal driving experience. Modern vehicles such as Range Rovers utilize a variety of screens from the central touchscreen, to the speed projection on the windshield, and even your mobile phone. The JLR Portland team focuses on designing and defining what these screens can do to enhance the driving experience.

In this exclusive visit to JLR’s beautiful new Portland office, students will get hands-on experience in conducting UX research to identify a problem, designing and presenting solutions, and using hardware and software engineering skills to turn ideas into functional solutions. And a visit to JLR would not be complete without a visit to their in-house fleet of cars and going for a ride in their driving simulator. This Day Off will have something for everyone!

Date: January 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Address: 2638 NW Wilson St, Portland, OR 97210
Districts off: BSD, PPS

Days Off @ Weir!

Ever wonder what makes your smart phone so smart? Or what powers eco-friendly electric vehicles? If you said metals and minerals from the earth, you’re right! As the desire for clean technology grows, how can we deliver the metals we need while reducing the industry’s footprint?

Experience how industry-leading Weir helps the world’s essential sectors, particularly mining, operate more sustainably and efficiently – from right here in Portland. Participate in virtual reality simulations, learn about the advanced tools that engineers use to design new products, and tour a real foundry operation. Meet the engineers, metallurgists and tradespeople who create innovative products and technologies that are helping mining scale up and clean up for a low-carbon future.

Bonus: Students will participate in a hands-on metal casting activity to create their own keychain.

Date: 4/6/26
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Address: 2141 NW 25th Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Districts off: BSD, PPS, spring break for Washington

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!