NXT Fest 2020 Impacted More Than 400 DISD Students
DALLAS – February 10, 2019 – Presented by the State Fair of Texas, 18 community organizations, and nearly 100 volunteers, NXT Fest 2020 welcomed more than 400 high school students from 15 Dallas Independent School District (DISD) high schools. In addition, there were nearly 60 exhibitors and vendors present, representing employers, colleges, resources, and other organizations to benefit the students in attendance. For the third year, students had the opportunity to experience all NXT Fest had to offer – seven interactive sessions, including preparing students for the college transition, fostering skills to assist in shaping side businesses, networking with industry leaders, and various other topics related to student success past high school.
“The State Fair is incredibly proud to present NXT Fest for the third year,” said Bemnet Meshesha, community affairs Manager for the State Fair of Texas. “Working in collaboration with so many community partners, we were able to center the needs and voices of more than 400 students and empower them to boldly pursue the bright futures they envision for themselves.”
Schools competed in the third annual Principal Lip Sync Battle, with the winning team receiving a $2,000 cash prize to fund a student-led collaborative project at their high school’s campus. Wilmer-Hutchins High School claimed this year’s first-place spot.
All students in attendance also received a backpack filled with school supplies, had the opportunity to take home new professional wear. In addition, more than 30 students registered to vote, and 69 students received necessary vaccinations, like the meningitis shot, at no cost to them.
The Fourth Annual NXT Fest will take place in the spring of 2021. NXT Fest is looking for DISD students to join the planning committee, in addition to student-centered resources, other organizations, and volunteers to participate next year. To learn more about how to get involved, email nxtfest@bigtex.com.
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About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2020 exposition runs September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.