Merced students explore college, career options at Tenaya event

Merced junior high students learned about career opportunities and college choices during “Making it Happen” night at Tenaya Middle School.

The event, which was held Thursday, drew officials from colleges and universities, as well as public safety and other fields, from the Central Valley and across California, school officials said in a news release.

Participants included the University of California campuses in Merced and Santa Cruz; the California State University campuses in Fresno, Chico and Sacramento; Modesto Junior College and Fresno City College; the Merced Fire and Police departments; and the California Highway Patrol, officials said.

Other professions represented included attorneys, dentists, nurses, school administrators, veterinarians and the military.

About 200 Merced-area children participated in the event, authorities said.

Students were given a “passport” to take to each of the tables set up for the colleges and local professionals. Students had to ask at least one question at each table to get a stamp from the presenter, officials said.

“This encouraged the students to communicate and learn more about all of the options available to them,” officials said. “Students who filled up all of the spaces on their passports were eligible for a drawing at the end of the night, and the grand prize was a new Chromebook.”

The event included a speech by local high school teacher Annie Delgado, who coordinates the “Lift While You Lead” Empowerment Project and Mentoring Program.

The evening was organized through Tenaya Middle School’s AVID program, which is a college-readiness system that teaches students the skills and behaviors that can lead to academic success.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Merced students explore college, career options at Tenaya event."