RICHLAND, Wash. Eighth-graders representing about 20 schools throughout Southcentral Washington will be at Washington State University Tri-Cities on April 16 for the “GEAR UP Career Showcase.”
The Career Showcase presentations start at 6 p.m. in the East Auditorium, 2710 University Drive, Richland. Each five-minute speech includes a summary of the career with a focus on the education and skills needed to attain that job.
In preparation for April 16, middle schools that are part of the GEAR UP early outreach program are holding their own competitions. The winner from each school then comes to the Career Showcase to compete with other GEAR UP students for prizes. About 75 students and parents are expected to attend from middle schools including Stevens, Prescott, Pioneer, Endicott, Ochoa and Kiona-Benton.
As part of the event, eighth-graders plan for the future by researching, showcasing and presenting their career of choice. As research shows, middle school is a crucial time for students and parents to begin making post-secondary education choices. A report by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa International, a professional association for educators, found that 92 percent of middle school students plan to attend college, but only 11 percent have the right information about choosing the right classes in high school that will prepare them. The GEAR UP program at WSU Tri-Cities coordinates this activity, along with many others, to help middle school students obtain detailed information on career and educational programs.
GEAR UP Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs is part of the WSU Tri-Cities Early Outreach Department. Its mission is to help middle school students and families understand how to prepare and plan for admission to a college or university after high school. In fall 2008, GEAR UP received two six-year competitive grants totaling $23 million from the U.S. Department of Education to continue its efforts in Southcentral Washington.
For more information on the Eighth Grade Career Showcase or GEAR UP, contact JR. Gomez at 509-372-7288 or visit www.earlyoutreach.wsu.edu/flame.
WSU Tri-Cities is located along the scenic Columbia River in Richland, Wash. Established in 1989 with upper division and graduate programs, WSU Tri-Cities expanded in 2007 to a full four-year undergraduate campus offering 17 bachelor’s, 13 master’s and six doctoral degrees. Learn more about the fastest growing and more diverse campus in the WSU system at www.tricity.wsu.edu.