LYNWOOD, CA – Hundreds of Lynwood Unified sixth-graders across 12 District elementary schools gained a firsthand look at future career opportunities during the annual Middle School Elective Showcase on March 3. The event introduced students to hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs offered at Hosler and Cesar Chavez middle schools.

Middle school students led interactive demonstrations that brought electives to life. At a forensics station, Cesar Chavez seventh-grader Kaleh Barron guided students through fingerprinting techniques, brushing black powder to reveal prints and using tape to lift them. She also highlighted a profession featured in the school’s Career Explorer elective, which introduces students to a variety of professional pathways.

“I feel good showing elementary students what I learned to give them the opportunity to learn the same thing,” Barron, who plans to become a marine biologist, said. “I like my elective because it shows me different opportunities.”

Cesar Chavez students also showcased their biomedical detective class, where they step into the role of real-world medical investigators, while Hosler Middle School students highlighted financial literacy and esports. Other featured programs included robotics, human anatomy, engineering and computer science through PLTW and Paxton Patterson Labs.

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School sixth-grader Martha Valverde said the music demonstrations captured her interest as she tried drumming and explored different instruments.

“I can learn a lot of new things, like playing new instruments and making sculptures at the showcase,” Valverde said. “I’m interested in pursuing music in middle school, maybe the flute.”

Each year, Lynwood Unified hosts the Elective Showcase to help sixth-graders make informed decisions about the options available in middle school, giving them an early start in exploring academic interests and future careers.

“Providing students with early exposure to college and career pathways empowers them to see what’s possible for their future,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “Through innovative CTE programs and hands-on learning experiences, Lynwood Unified ensures students are prepared for high school and are building the skills needed for college, careers and lifelong success.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_MIDDLESCHOOLELECTIVES_1: Cesar Chavez Middle School seventh-grader Kaleh Barron (left) guides Lynwood Unified elementary school students through fingerprinting techniques, brushing black powder to reveal prints and using tape to lift them, as part of the District’s Middle School Electives Showcase on March 3.

LUSD_MIDDLESCHOOLELECTIVES_2: Thurgood Marshall Elementary School sixth-grader Martha Valverde (left) tests out different percussion beats during Lynwood Unified’s Middle School Electives Showcase on March 3.

LUSD_MIDDLESCHOOLELECTIVES_3: Lynwood Unified sixth-graders take a look forward into career opportunities and the electives that will guide them there during the District’s annual Middle School Elective Showcase on March 3, including college-readiness programs such as Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID).