MONTEBELLO – A reporter, mayor, K-9 trainer, respiratory therapist and the Los Angeles County of Education Superintendent were among guests who visited Montebello Intermediate School (MOI) April 21-23 during the school-wide College and Career Week. The speakers, many of whom are Montebello Unified alums, were part of the school’s effort to introduce the sixth- through eighth-graders to genuine opportunities after high school.

“Increasing college prep and career awareness at all levels, including middle school, is an unyielding District goal,” Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros said. “This week-long event, together with our widely successful Pathways Fair for eighth-graders, illustrate our determination to create and sustain educational pathways for our middle schoolers to ensure they have the knowledge, resources and support required for college and career.”

In the past, MOI has successfully hosted a college and career day for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) students. This year, Principal Leticia Alvidrez, MOI teachers and staff not only extended the program to all students, but included a more comprehensive approach to boosting early college and career awareness for the middle schoolers.

“It is never too early to create awareness and start planning for college and career,” Alvidrez said. “What’s more is that our students truly respond, gaining insights from individuals who were in their seats not long ago as they begin to consider what they can achieve beyond our classrooms.”

Studies have shown that providing middle school students with experiences and opportunities that allow them the space to develop college knowledge, focus on the future and create pathways toward attaining goals improves academic performance while boosting confidence. Additionally, students who participate in career education before high school are better positioned to make sustainable and effective career decisions.

In addition to the daily presentations, students in each class submitted a mock college application where they learned about the application process and facts about a given college. Students also participated in a college bingo quest, learning even more about local and national colleges.

The program culminated with MOI’s April 23 open house, where parents, staff and teachers were encouraged to wear college gear. Teachers and staff also sported gear from their college alma maters throughout the week.

“We commend Principal Alvidrez and her school team for establishing a precedent at MOI that will no doubt benefit each student’s future,” MUSD Superintendent of Education Susanna Contreras Smith said.

Other speakers included an MUSD police officer and real estate agent, a project manager from Southern California Edison, a facilities planner from Los Angeles County, a medical consultant and a community college counselor.

Photo Captions:

MOI College & Career1: In addition to the daily presentations by speakers, many of whom are Montebello Unified alums, students of Montebello Intermediate School (MOI) participated in the school-wide College and Career Week April 21-23 in efforts to introduce the sixth- through eighth-graders to genuine opportunities after high school.

MOI College & Career2: In addition to the daily presentations by speakers, many of whom are Montebello Unified alums – including LA County Office of Education Superintendent, pictured here – students of Montebello Intermediate School (MOI) participated in the school-wide College and Career Week April 21-23 in efforts to introduce the sixth- through eighth-graders to genuine opportunities after high school.