At Philadelphia’s Excel Academy North, staff know it’s never too early for students to start thinking about their career and post-secondary plans. Held during College Awareness Month, the school hosted its fifth annual College & Career Fair on October 7.
During the on-campus event, students had the opportunity to connect with alumni, admission counselors from local colleges and universities, entrepreneurs running successful businesses, and members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Presenters from Temple University, Penn State, Clemson University and Jefferson University spoke to students about college and career possibilities. They also heard directly from individuals working in the arts, nonprofit sector, healthcare, public service, and those with successful trade careers.
Student Destiny Boykins said that she liked the entrepreneurship, military and medical profession presentations best.
“They are all areas that interest me regarding my post-secondary planning,” said Boykins. “The presenters taught me that even when things get hard that I have to keep going and never give up and if I continue to follow through, I will reach my goals.”
The Excel Academy North puts a strong focus on college, career, and trade readiness. The College & Career Day Fair serves as a chance to introduce students to post-secondary pursuits they may not have previously considered.
“This is a wonderful event to expose our students to new college and career opportunities,” said Kevin Marx, M.Ed., director, Excel Academy North. “We want to help them prepare as well as empower them for their next chapter. From assisting with resumes and college admission applications to paying for the SAT and equipping them with interview skills, we want to fully support our students on their path to success after high school.”
Serving students from the School District of Philadelphia, Excel Academy North offers an accelerated high school experience for students looking for a smaller, more personal setting, intensely focused on elevating social skills, emotional wellness, and academic success.