School District of New Berlin's College and Career Readiness Series Kicks Off with Wisconsin Education Fair

The School District of New Berlin’s 2017-18 College and Career Readiness Event Series kicked off last month when New Berlin West played host to the Wisconsin Education Fair (WEF).

This annual event features private and public post-secondary educational organizations including colleges, universities, technical colleges, vocational/trade schools and branches of the military, not only from the state, but from across the country. Students from the district and from neighboring communities attend with their families for the opportunity to meet with more than 100 professional admission representatives to learn about academic programs, admission requirements, financial aid, scholarships, housing and more.

The fair is an important component of the district’s efforts to ensure all students graduate “college and career ready”, and is core to the district’s vision of the graduate. This means being able to effectively navigate the worlds of post-secondary education and employment at a time that is right for them. Part of that competency is being an informed consumer of post-secondary education, as the decisions of what, where, when and why are important and potentially expensive ones.

“We know it is in the best interest of every student to secure a post-secondary credential; however, which one they pursue depends on their goals and how quickly they wish to enter the workforce,” Superintendent Joe Garza said. “We just want them to fully appreciate what they are investing in so they can accomplish their goals as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.”

Academic and Career Planning has been implemented across the district in grades 7-12. Students are encouraged and supported through teacher-administered advisory lessons to develop a plan for their future based upon their unique goals. Reflecting and discerning what post-secondary path is best for them is a key part of their plan.

“Hosting the WEF event here in the district provides a meaningful opportunity for our students to be able to meet admissions representatives in person and get their questions answered, allowing them to compare and contrast the benefits each option provides as they search out a post-secondary opportunity that is right for them,” said Matt Hunt, College & Career Readiness specialist. “Students are prepared to make the most of their time at the fair through a WEF presentation as well as a related advisory lesson prior to the event. After the event, students reconvene to discuss their experience and how the information gained at the fair will assist them in determining their next steps in the process.”

Upcoming events to complete the College and Career Readiness Series include Career Days later this fall and Careers in Action Tours this spring. Career Days, held in conjunction with Junior Achievement, connect all students in grades 7-12 with professionals in more than 65 career pathways through classroom presentations. The district’s Careers in Action Tours allow students to choose an industry of interest and tour facilities of related businesses and organizations.

On-site college and military visits, Financial Aid Night, Academic and Career Planning Family Nights, classroom presentations and field trips are also part of the district’s annual programming.

“It is well worth the investment in these activities and programs if all of our graduates leave us able to effectively navigate the worlds of postsecondary education and employment,” Superintendent Garza added. These skills will serve them well for the rest of their adult lives. We are thankful to have community support for our collective efforts.”