SEATTLE/SOUTH KING COUNTY – Thousands of students of all ages across Seattle and South King County will be exploring their college and career options during DiscoverU week, happening Oct. 13-17. DiscoverU is being led by schools, youth programs and other education partners. Participating districts include Auburn School District, Federal Way Public Schools, Highline Public Schools, Kent School District, Renton School District, Seattle Public Schools and Tukwila School District.

As part of DiscoverU, students will learn about educators’ college and career paths, see teachers and counselors showing school pride by sporting college gear, and participate in fun activities that will encourage them to explore their futures. But DiscoverU isn’t limited to schools. Businesses, colleges, community-based organizations, libraries, city governments, community members and families are invited to join DiscoverU and put college and career in the spotlight!

The DiscoverU campaign is promoting three easy ways for people to get involved:

  1. Discuss your education or career path with a young person in your life and ask about their interests – Talking to students about careers and the path that led you there is an easy way to get them thinking about all of the possibilities in their futures
  2. Wear your college or career gear – Whether you wear a hat with your college’s name on it or a shirt with your company’s logo, it’s easy to show off your DiscoverU spirit
  3. Participate in a fun college or career exploration activity – Activities can include trivia games, career charades and fun surveys. Find examples at discoveruwa.org.

“DiscoverU provides the opportunity for all students to reflect on their interests and think about how education can help them reach their goals. YMCA of Greater Seattle fully supports the Road Map Project, and is excited to participate in DiscoverU and celebrate college and career with our students. Across all our communities, YMCA staff will be reinforcing schools’ DiscoverU message by wearing college gear and using it to start conversations with young people and families about their dreams and the paths they will take to get there,” said YMCA of Greater Seattle President/CEO Bob Gilbertson.

The week of Oct. 13-17 coincides with the College Board assessments (PSAT, SAT and ReadiStep). The region’s $40 million Race to the Top grant is allowing thousands of students to participate in these assessments for free and in school, removing all barriers to admission testing.

DiscoverU is also a kickoff to the Road Map to College campaign, an annual cycle of events and support for high school seniors. Coming up after DiscoverU week, College Application Events will be occurring at dozens of locations across the region. Students attending these events will receive one-on-one support navigating the college application process, researching colleges, filling out applications and drafting personal statements. The Road Map to College campaign is supported by the Road Map Project, a community-wide effort aimed at dramatically improving student achievement from cradle to college and career in South King County and South Seattle.

Posted in: College and Career Readiness

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