Your Global Future 2026
Thursday, October 22 ● 8:30am to 12pm ● Avila University
Away from the borders and coasts, Kansas City-area students are often surprised to find just how many international academic and professional opportunities await them. This unique college and career fair brought over 800 students from 24 student groups and organizations to the table with dozens of international businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities, to show them just how global their future can be.
The International Relations Council is delighted to be partnering with Avila University for Your Global Future 2026! This year’s event will be held on the Avila University campus, and will feature new elements such as skill building workshops for Avila freshman students, an Avila Student Involvement Showcase where our high school attendees will get to learn about the breadth of clubs, extracurriculars, and opportunities on this college campus.
For the first time ever, Your Global Future will also feature an exclusive window for college students to attend the fair and hear directly from businesses, universities, nonprofits, and service providers about internship opportunities, hiring opportunities out of college, and volunteer opportunities within the Kansas City community.
New Location, New Opportunities!
A trade show-style college and career fair where businesses, universities, and organizations will come together under the same roof to interact with hundreds of area high school students. Students will find a tremendous breadth of opportunities at their fingertips to explore the various industries that allow you to broaden your horizons – around the world or right here in Kansas City.
Students visiting Your Global Future will have the opportunity to hear from area colleges, businesses and organizations about opportunities that can expand their global perspective.
Your Global Future is free for students and educators, but transportation can be costly. To make Your Global Future a welcoming and accessible program, the IRC is partnering with the Explore Foundation to provide transportation reimbursements to eligible applicants.
The Explore Foundation is a Kansas City non-profit organization that empowers educators to extend learning beyond the classroom. We are clearing the roadblocks that prohibit teachers and their students from going on field trips. Explore provides direct support for the facilitation of field trips. With minimal overhead, the impact of donors has been significant for the educational experiences of students across the KC Metro area.
Teachers attending Your Global Future can apply for transportation reimbursement here. Proposals must be submitted prior to attending Your Global Future. Please contact dfitzpatrick@irckc.org, Membership & Engagement Coordinator, with any questions.
Your Global Future 2026 Sponsors & Partners
FAQs
As an annual event, feedback is an essential part of Your Global Future. In 2022, almost 80% of students said that they felt Your Global Future had increased their knowledge of post-graduation opportunities. Meanwhile, 83% of teachers agreed they would like to participate in Your Global Future 2023.
When reflecting on their favorite aspects of the event, students from Your Global Future said:
- “My favorite part was getting to learn information from people first hand instead of just online.”
- “I get to talk to actual people from the colleges I want to go to so I get more information.”
- “I really love the diversity here. There’s colleges, community colleges, the military. . . It’s giving me a broader idea. . . a breakthrough of what I want to do.”
- “All the great presenters! <3 the nonprofits!”
Thanks to the generous support of exhibitors and sponsors, Your Global Future is free for students and teachers every year. Schools can apply for transportation reimbursements through the Explore Foundation.
For organizations, business, and universities, the price levels are as follows:
Nonprofit, Small Businesses and Government Agencies (IRC Member): $100.00
Nonprofit, Small Businesses and Government Agencies: $150.00
Colleges and Universities (IRC Member): $200.00
Colleges and Universities: $250.00
Large Businesses and Government Agencies (IRC Member): $300.00
Large Businesses and Government Agencies:$350.00
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- Standard exhibits include a table, two chairs, printed banner with organization name, and trash can.
- A parking voucher will also be offered.
- Refund Policy: Sometimes plans change! Organizational registrations cancelled on or before October 10 will be refunded but is subject to a $50 administration fee. Registrations cancelled after October 10 are not eligible for refund.
- The cut off for “small businesses” is 10 employees. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Questions or concerns? Please do not hesitate to reach out to Evan Verploegh (Executive Director) at everploegh@irckc.org or Daniel Fitzpatrick (Membership & Engagement Coordinator) at dfitzpatrick@irckc.org. You may also reach the IRC offices at 913-213-3007
Sponsorship is designated by level and ranges from $500 to $4,000. Each level of sponsorship receives unique benefits that can increase the visibility and impact of your organization. More about sponsorship levels and benefits can be found here.
Check out Previous Years of Your Global Future:
- Your Global Future 2023 (In-Person)
- Your Global Future 2022 (In-Person)
- Your Global Future 2021 (Hybrid)
- Your Global Future 2020 (Virtual)
- Your Global Future 2019 (In-Person)
- Your Global Future 2018 (In-Person)