Forging a Path after High School Graduation
What happens after high school graduation? Our College & Career Department works to prepare our students for life after graduation. Are they thinking about college? Do they want to pursue a trade and join the workforce? Or even start their own business? The College & Career team exposes LFLA’s high school students to a myriad of options to help them determine their path. So far this year, students have toured six college campuses: Fontbonne University, Lindenwood University, University of Missouri - St. Louis, Washington University, Harris-Stowe State University, and Lincoln University. An additional five college representatives have visited LFLA students on our campus.
In March, our College & Career Department will be taking interested juniors and seniors to eight out-of-state Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU): Philander Smith College; University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Grambling State University; Jackson State University; Alcorn State University; Tougaloo College; Dillard University; and Xavier University..
"Helping students and parents with financial aid forms and scholarships is also key," expressed Patricia Mosley, Director of the Counseling & Career Department. "We've held two parent/student meetings this semester to specifically assist with filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Financial Student Aid) applications. They're complicated and it's important to fill them out accurately."
For students interested in pursuing a trade, the College & Career team plans career fairs on campus and also takes students to a variety of trade events in the community. For example, in November, Florissant Valley Community College held a Trade & Career event featuring representatives from such fields as plumbing, welding, construction, and cybersecurity. Also on hand were first responders and representatives from local police and fire departments. More than 20 students attended the event, which offered an engaging and interactive experience with a variety of trade professionals.
In December, several students visited two engineering firms, and an automotive career day was held on December 14th with sales and service professionals from the automotive industry.
Listen to Patricia Mosley, Director of the College & Career Department as she highlights her team's efforts.