The Redmond Youth Partnership Advisory Committee (RYPAC) presents “Get Connected,” a series of panel discussions to get young people in touch with who they want to be when they grow up.

Teens have dreams and RYPAC is here to provide them with resources to realize those dreams. The events are free and will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on selected Tuesdays at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St.

RYPAC has invited experienced, dynamic and engaging speakers, both adults and teens, to speak about how to prepare for life after high school. These panels consist of professionals from the surrounding community. Panelists discuss their jobs and how they got started. Question and answer periods are included, as well.

Upcoming topics are as follows:

• Technology careers, Nov. 10: The Puget Sound region is filled with great technology opportunities for careers. This panel of men and women from local companies such as Bungie, Univar and more will field your questions.

• Do your own thing — how to start a business or non-profit, Jan. 12, 2010: Listen to what a local panel of entrepreneurs has to say about starting your own business and what it takes in today’s economic climate.

• Careers in health care, Tuesday, May 11, 2010: Becoming a health care provider is not just about being a doctor or a nurse. Hear about other health care career options.

The series is sponsored by RYPAC and Redmond Whole Foods Market. For information or to RSVP, contact Nancy Chang, teen programs coordinator, at (425) 556-2358 or nchang@redmond.gov.