Middle school serves as a crucial period of development, where students begin to explore their interests, strengths, and aspirations. While academic knowledge is undoubtedly important, cultivating college, career, and life-ready experiences during these formative years is equally essential. That is why Collier County Public Schools began introducing its seventh grade students to college, career, and life-ready experiences in 2014-15. The program has evolved since that time and works to not only broaden students’ horizons but also equip them with the necessary skills and mindset for future success.
Just recently, seventh graders across Collier County completed their most recent college, career, and life-ready experiences. Students performed different tasks over a four -to six-week window, including student interest assessments. As an example, one of the assessments focused on what a student may enjoy doing, while another concentrated on what they are naturally designed to do.
VISIT TO FGCU
Following their classroom work, the students headed to Florida Gulf Coast University to see what life is like on an actual college campus. Just before the visit, the seventh graders are surveyed to find out what they expect to see and what type of information they hope to gain.
“This is a great opportunity for students to see what options they have for when they finish high school in Collier County,” said CCPS Superintendent Dr. Leslie C. Ricciardelli. “It’s pretty rare that students get to come ask questions, walk around, take a little bit of time.”
The highlight of the trip is always the College of Engineering. “Over the years, they have welcomed us into their outdoor classroom, where they have a variety of activities,” explained Stephen McFadden, CCPS coordinator of school counseling (K-8). “Instead of just walking by and seeing buildings and hearing a little history about the place, they can actually get in there and do a bit of exploring and learning.”
“This is so fun,” said Carmen Cardillo, a seventh grade student from Gulfview Middle. “It really has opened my eyes to the college life.”
EMPOWERING STUDENTS
By prioritizing college, career, and life-ready experiences, CCPS empowers students to realize their full potential and become lifelong learners and contributors to society.
“No matter what our students choose to go into, if higher education is something they’d like to pursue, we want to make sure they know that’s an opportunity available to them,” added Susan Bobrow, a school counselor at Gulfview Middle.
“I want to go to college,” shared Cooper Gartz, another seventh grade student from Gulfview Middle. “I’m excited to see where my journey will take me.”