School Matters: Are you in 8th - 12th Grade? Plan to Attend the Career and College Expo Night!

In today's fast-paced world, the path to success is paved with choices. For students and parents, the journey from eighth to twelfth grade can be a critical crossroads. The Victoria Independent School District (VISD) recognizes this pivotal moment in the lives of its students and is excited to announce the upcoming Career and College Expo Night, a beacon of guidance and opportunity.

Scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Career and College Expo Night will take place at the VISD Success Academy (VSA). This event promises to be an invaluable experience for students and their families, designed to illuminate the countless educational and career pathways awaiting them.

In a world brimming with choices, it's easy for students to feel overwhelmed. The Career and College Expo Night aims to combat this uncertainty by empowering young minds and their guardians with essential insights. With an array of informative presentations and resources, the event is strategically timed before the course selection process for grades 8 through 12, ensuring that families are well-informed about their options.

The VSA cafeteria will be the stage for enlightening presentations on YouScience, SchoolLinks, the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV), and Victoria College (VC). These presentations will shed light on the various educational routes available and offer a glimpse into potential career paths.

But the real magic happens in the gym, where an assortment of booths awaits. These booths are not merely spaces but gateways to personalized guidance. Students, parents, and guardians will have the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and receive tailored information regarding their educational and career aspirations. It's an interactive journey towards clarity and confidence.

The significance of this event extends beyond the individual—it's about strengthening the foundations of the community. When students and their families are better informed and equipped to make educated decisions about their futures, the entire community benefits. An informed workforce is a thriving workforce.

In addition to the Expo Night, VISD secondary campuses will also host Parent Night events for incoming 6th and 9th-grade students. These events offer campus-specific insights, creating a comprehensive support system for families at every educational stage.

"We are excited to bring together our Career and Technical Education and Counseling departments to host this informative event," remarked Dena Justice, CTE Director, at VISD. "This evening promises to be a valuable resource for our students and their families as they consider their future educational and career pathways. We encourage all eighth through twelfth graders and their parents and guardians to join us for this enlightening event."

The importance of such events cannot be overstated. In an era where career choices are as diverse as ever, having access to the right information is pivotal. Students can explore their passions, parents can understand the pathways, and together, they can make informed decisions. Education, after all, is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor.

Career and College Expo Night is not just an event; it's a beacon of inspiration and guidance. It's a chance for students to envision a future filled with possibilities and for parents to support their dreams. VISD welcomes all eighth through twelfth graders and their families to attend this event and explore the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

For those seeking more information about Career and College Expo Night, please don't hesitate to reach out to Dena Justice at dena.justice@visd.net regarding CTE or Brandi Henke at brandi.henke@visd.net for Counseling-related inquiries. Your journey begins with a simple step, and the Career and College Expo Night is a giant leap toward a bright and successful future.

Ashley Scott is the executive director of communications & public relations for Victoria ISD.