The Shooting for Success career fair and basketball tournament is looking for business partners to support its 3rd annual 3v3 Tournament and Career Exploration Experience.
Launched in Holyoke in 2022 by Follow My Steps, Shooting for Success was created as an innovative way to rally young people around learning about different careers. Over a two-day basketball tournament, players, supporters, and other young people get to talk to representatives from different businesses and nonprofits around Western MA and beyond, creating an immersive careers and basketball experience.
Follow My Steps is a nonprofit dedicated to providing underserved youth with mentorship, resources, and access to career and educational opportunities.
The tournament reflects that mission by combining competitive basketball with career readiness, networking, and exposure to real-world opportunities. Over the past two years, it has grown into a two-day experience that brings together students, families, community leaders, and businesses from across Western Massachusetts.
The 2025 event will take place in two locations.
Day one at Holyoke Community College will feature career readiness workshops, industry insights, and career stations hosted by local organizations. Each student must complete the Career Passport before taking part in the tournament.
Day two at the Basketball Hall of Fame will focus on the championship tournament, with round-robin and elimination play, awards, and interactive engagement zones where businesses connect directly with participants.
Businesses can play a central role in this effort by hosting a career station, sponsoring a division or engagement zone, contributing swag or prizes, or funding scholarships. The Career Passport structure ensures that every student interacts with local businesses and leaves with both connections and career insights.
Shooting for Success offers divisions for middle school, high school, and college players, drawing a diverse audience of students and families. By supporting the event, businesses not only gain visibility but also invest directly in preparing the next generation for success in both sports and the workplace.
Businesses interested in participating can find out more on the Follow My Steps website.
