Job Olympics is an event full of competition, learning, and fun. Students get to show off their hard-earned job skills, meet new friends, and interact with local business leaders and community members. This unique event celebrates individual excellence in job skills while fostering a spirit of fun, camaraderie, and confidence.
Students will compete in events showcasing the skills they’ve been learning at school. These skills are designed to help students with disabilities transition from high school into competitive, integrated employment settings. Events representing real-world job and employment situations are judged by community members, business owners, and education professionals.
Throughout the day, students compete in events such as sweeping, sorting laundry, coin recognition, stocking shelves, folding towels, vacuuming, bag stuffing, and stuffing envelopes. They will also have the opportunity to practice interviewing for a job with real business leaders from the community.
It’s a day filled with exciting challenges and competitions during which high school students with disabilities can showcase the job skills they’ve been learning all year. It’s not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed!
Cape County Job Olympics
When: March 6, 2026
Where: 381 E. Deerwood Drive Jackson Civic Center Jackson, MO
Contact: Annie Appleton – aappleton@missouri.edu and Elizabeth Merideth emerideth@missouri.edu, Pre-ETS
Branson Job Olympics
When: March 26, 2026
Where: 935 Buchanan Rd. Branson High School Branson, MO
Contact: Tracy Hall Hallt@branson.k12.mo.us
North-Central Job Olympics
When: November 20, 2026
Where: Sparton Field House, Moberly High School, 1625 Gratz-Brown St, Moberly, MO 65270
Contact: Julie Wood juliewood@moberlyspartans.org, Transition Coordinator, Moberly High School
Statewide Job Olympics
When: May 12, 2026
Where: Wyndham Executive Center, 2200 Interstate 70 Dr SW, Columbia, MO 65203
Joplin Job Olympics
When: March 11, 2026; 9:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: Community Support Services of Missouri, 809 S. Illinois Ave, Joplin, MO
Contact: Bethany Bailey bethany.bailey@missouri.edu and Erica Poulson poulsone@missouri.edu, Pre-ETS
South-Central Job Olympics
When: April 15, 2026
Where: West Plains Civic Center, 110 St Louis St, West Plains, MO 65775
Contact: Donna Weaver donnaweaver@missouri.edu