College and Career Fair Helps Madrid Middle School Students Plan for Their Future

Getting a jump start on college and careers was the goal of Madrid Middle School’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who participated in the school’s 2nd Annual College and Career Fair.

Getting a jump start on college and careers was the goal of Madrid Middle School’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who participated in the school’s 2nd Annual College and Career Fair.
Representatives from U.C. Berkeley, Cal State Long Beach, Cal State Fullerton, Rio Hondo Community College, the Art Center College of Design, Cal Poly Pomona and the Professional Institute of Beauty were on hand to answer questions and provide literature for the eager students who are definitely headed to college. On the career front, members of the El Monte Police Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department, Station 168 shared the career opportunities in their organizations.
“We are thrilled to provide this college and career fair for our students,” said Maria Palmieri, Madrid’s Counselor and College/Career Week coordinator. “It’s important for them to be exposed to the post secondary educational options available to them as well as the requirements of various professions. Our goal is for them to think ahead and know that they can have a great future if they work hard.”
Students interested in U.C. Berkeley learned that it is the oldest university in the U.C. system, providing an exceptional education for over 140 years. Berkeley, the first university in the country to offer an Ethnic Studies major also is home to one of the best schools of business and exemplary biology and engineering programs.
Seventh grader, Javier Espinoza learned about the Fire Department and even got to try on the gear fire fighters wear when battling a fire. “It would be cool to be a fire fighter. It’s a tough job but I think I’m up for it,” he said as he balanced the fifty plus pounds of equipment.
Students talked with the representatives, finding out what programs the universities offer, the required GPA and SAT scores for entrance and what the colleges are well known for.
Nicole Ung plans to attend USC and major in law. “I want to help people and becoming a lawyer will allow me to do that,” said the sixth grader who is already preparing for her college education.
Madrid’s College Fair was the culminating activity of the school’s 2nd Annual College Week, a week-long college themed event that included college writing contests, teachers sharing their college experiences, basketball games pitting USC fans against UCLA fans and a GEAR Up Family College Night where over 170 families learned about the collegiate options available including financial aid, scholarships and what they can start doing now to be ready for college entrance.
The students enjoyed all the events of college week and for many the college/career fair was the highlight. They were happy the school offered the college fair so they could start their plan of action and be ready for the application and entrance process.
“Our students know that if they work hard and put forth their best effort that college is a very attainable goal. All of us at Madrid are here to support them and help them reach that goal,” said Bonnie Tanaka, Madrid’s principal.