Grantham Academy Hosts Career and College Day Event

Students who know that they need a college degree for the jobs that interest them are more likely to go to college.

Sebrina Shields-Taylor poses with Dr. Michael MacFrazier and Will Hernández. Shields-Taylor serves as lead counselor at the campus. MacFrazier serves as vice provost and dean at Prarie View A&M University. And Hernández is a realtor with Champions Real Estate Group.

Grantham Academy recently held its Career and College Day. The event is a way to spark students’ interest and to make them aware of the many career opportunities available to them.

Counselors Rita Hernández and Sebrina Shields-Taylor organized the career and college readiness event. They recruited more than 60 professionals to talk to more than a 1,000 Grantham Academy students.

Thomas Petty, senior inspector and K-9 handler, with the Fire Marshal’s Office

A Few Examples of the Careers Represented @ the Event

Agriculture Specialists
Architects
Artists
Attorneys
College Deans
Engineers
Entrepreneurs
FBI Analysts
Music Directors
Pharmacists
Surgeons

Career and College Day at Grantham Academy encouraged students to explore careers. And it gave community members a chance to share their expertise with students.

Career and College Day speakers enjoy lunch.

“This is a key way to show the relevance of a college degree,” Hernández said. “Our goal was for students to recognize the value of higher education. We hope they realize that through hard work there are many options and opportunities available to them in the future.“

College deans, professionals and skilled workers gave lectures and demonstrations about their careers. They also discussed their educational backgrounds and shared their future aspirations.

Students also asked the presenters questions and discussed current and future workforce needs.

Shields-Taylor feels that Career and College Day greatly impacts first-generation college students.

Grantham alumnus Wesley Livingston poses next to his picture at the campus. Livingston is an architect who works for Kirksey Architecture.

“A large part of our demographics will be first-generation college students,” Shield-Taylor said. “Career and College Day events help students understand the relevance of the courses they are taking now.

“The mission is to help students ‘connect the dots’ between their coursework now and their future aspirations. And it can influence the academic choices they make daily. Creating a college-going culture is important to strengthen families and communities. Students need to be believe that getting a higher education is attainable.“

Hernández and Shield-Taylor thank all the professionals who took time out of their day to take part in the event.

“We thank everyone that took time to invest in our students’ future,” Sheilds-Taylor said. “The students talked about Career and College Day long after the event ended.“