This week the Reese Education Center welcomed representatives from Lubbock Christian University and Workforce Solutions for presentations on post-graduation opportunities. This visit is a part of a program launched last year by Reese Communities In Schools Coordinator, Elyse Evans, which invites guest speakers to present various career and education paths to the students.
Evans and Reese's administrators agree that it's important for students to be exposed to presentations like those from LCU and Workforce Solutions. These presentations help inform students about post-secondary educational opportunities and workforce options that they may not have been familiar with before, allowing them to make more informed decisions for their futures.
Students only attend the presentation they are interested in learning more about and are encouraged to participate in by asking questions and engaging in the presentation. Elizabeth Rogers, counselor at Resse Education Center, stated that these presentations generally bring in a good audience with great participation.
This week, LCU and Workforce Solutions captured the students' attention by sharing valuable information about upcoming opportunities and next steps. LCU engaged the students with recruitment videos that showcased the school’s culture, explained financial aid options, and emphasized the benefits of smaller class sizes. Meanwhile, Workforce Solutions encouraged students to take advantage of their programs to get a head start on their careers. They offer services for a wide range of career paths and assist with education and training certifications.
Rogers stated that since the start of these presentations, she has seen an increase in students getting assistance in filling out college applications and taking advantage of career opportunities.
“I have seen firsthand these presentations engage our students and encourage our students to start a dialogue about their plans for after high school with their teachers, CIS, and myself,” said Rogers.
Rogers noted that she sees significant interest from the students attending these presentations and receives feedback about presentation topics they would like to see presented in the future. She urges all Reese students to attend the presentations or to seek out opportunities with her or Evans.
“I always encourage students to tap into the resources that are available to them while they are on our campus,” said Rogers. “Because we are able to give them the one-on-one attention to meet their individuals needs and make sure we are helping them prepare for their future before they graduate.”
Evans and Rogers are grateful for the community stakeholders who continue to support and benefit Reese students through these visits. They hope to bring in even more presentations for the students in the future.