It’s never too early to get a jumpstart on planning your future.
That’s why Horizon Science Academy Southwest dedicated time last week for its students to engage with multiple colleges and local organizations at its annual career fair. Students across all grade levels had the chance to see what lies ahead as they begin to contemplate what life after high school looks like for them.
“I feel like events like this are important because, in Chicago, there just aren’t a lot of opportunities for teenagers,” said one HSA student. “When they do events like this, it really does help a lot of kids get their minds straight on what they want to do in the future. I think that’s really helpful for all of us.”
Throughout the day, students chatted with local colleges like Columbia College, Concordia University, National Lewis University and others to get a feel for what each school brings to the table. However, they weren't limited to just higher education institutions. HSA Southwest also brought in both the Chicago police and fire departments along with the Army, Marines and Morgan Stanley to give students who are looking for alternative options to attending college.
HSA Southwest, which offers a robust Concept College Readiness Program, understands that students shouldn't just be limited to school choice––they should have the opportunity to chart the path they are most interested in going down.
“When students enter their senior year, it's all about exploration and what they're going to do with their futures," said the school's College Guidance Counselor Natalie Redd. "As a counselor, I feel like it's important to focus on all post-secondary goals instead of just one main post-secondary goal.
"For example, if a student's heart lies with the trades or if they really just want to go to the police academy, we'll definitely carve out a pathway for college but we're going to explore those other things because that's what they want to do with their lives."
HSA Southwest expects to have another strong year which is why it chose “raising the bar” to be this year’s school theme. It lined up perfectly with the energy in the room last week for a group of students who are eager to keep preparing for what's next for them.
"I have to give a huge shoutout to Mrs. Redd for putting together this event," said HSA Southwest's Principal Stephen Palmerin. "We have a great high school team and senior teachers that have prepared our kids for their futures so I'm excited to see what is in store for them next year."