The Detroit Public Library’s HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) Center will present a free career fair on Friday, April 24, from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Main Branch’s History and Travel & Friends Auditorium.

BET’s Jeff Johnson will keynote,including a Q&A, from 7 to 8 p.m.

“The goal of the HYPE Center is to inform our young people of the opportunities available to them scholastically and in terms of entrepreneurial
programming,” said Erin Thomas, event planner for HYPE Center at the library’s Main Branch. “We’re including all of the Michigan universities and all of the entrepreneurial programs throughout the state, such as MPI film school, University of Michigan, Davenport, Phoenix, the International
Academy of Art & Design.”

While most people might think of a career fair as a place to find a job, Thomas said the HYPE Center is viewing the term “career” in a broader sense — not just as a synonym for a job, but also in terms of a student’s post high school educational path.

The event was organized because of the need for information about what young people would do for their future. Thomas said Johnson is
inspirational in guiding young people towards improving their lives and their situations, whether they be college, apprenticeship programs or entrepreneurial efforts.

“He encourages teens to move forward and develop careers
at a young age, so that they’ll be able to have a fruitful life,” she said, adding that many teens are unaware of the opportunities available to them.

At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet 30 vendors from various educational backgrounds. These include Michigan universities, the University of Toledo and Focus: HOPE, among others. The teens will also be able to get information for incoming freshmen at the various schools, as well as opportunities in terms of scholarship and financial aid.

There will also be hot hors d’oeuvres served at about 6 p.m., as well as a music performance by one of the students.

Detroit’s First Lady, Kimberly Cockrel, will speak at 6 p.m. on inspiring teens regarding opportunities available to them.

“I’m hoping she’ll be able to greet Jeff Johnson with the keys to the city,” Thomas said.

The Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library is located at 5201 Woodward. Free parking is available in the employee lot, off Putnam.

To RSVP, call (313) 833-4042.