Excitement and opportunity filled the room on Wednesday, April 8, as College Now partnered with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to launch My Future Starts Here: Pathways to College and Career Success!
Students and families in grades 6-12 gathered at the Arnold R. Pinkney East Professional Center for an engaging and informative kickoff orientation that set the tone for an exciting spring and summer ahead. Designed to help CMSD students explore possibilities early, this exclusive exploration series connects young people with the tools, knowledge and inspiration they need to begin shaping their futures.
The kickoff featured the first workshop of the series, Investing In Your Future, where participants explored education as an investment and why planning for life after high school matters. Students and parents learned about different pathways after graduation including college, career training and other opportunities, while also discussing affordability and the long-term financial benefits of continuing education.
One of the highlights of the session was a lively and honest conversation between students and parents. Families shared personal experiences, lessons learned and strategies for supporting students along their college and career journeys. The group explored available resources and wrapped up the workshop by setting meaningful goals. Both students and parents committed to steps they will take between now and the next academic year before revisiting and building on those goals.
The journey is just beginning! With more sessions coming this spring and summer, there are plenty of opportunities ahead for students and families to explore, learn and dream big! Some of those opportunities include career exploration in in-demand industries, college awareness and financial guidance, skill-building sessions focused on college and career readiness and networking opportunities with professionals and community leaders.
Stay tuned, the future starts now!