WHITTIER – The Whittier High School quad was filled with hundreds of students and their families, eager to explore their post-secondary options and forge a path to their future, during the 2022 Whittier Union High School District College Fair on Sept. 21.

Students spoke to representatives from more than 50 colleges – which included several University of California and California State University campuses, along with private schools, community colleges, trade schools, United States Armed Forces and out-of-state universities – to gain insight to each school’s offerings and fill out registration cards for more information. The College Fair was presented in-person for the first time since the 2019-20 school year and was open to all Whittier Union students.

“Seeing Whittier Union students back on campus, interacting with a variety of post-secondary programs and representatives, exemplifies their desire to educate themselves about all the available options and opportunities for transitioning to life after high school,” Whittier Union New Horizons Director Lou Muñoz said. “It was a joy to see students explore the options that will open doors for them in the future.”

La Serna High School junior Jarrod Malvaez attended the college fair with his parents, looking for information on schools with programs in forensic science. According to his mother, Jarrod has always had exceptional science skills, and loved solving mysteries on television when he was younger.

“I’m looking for a school that represents my interests, and I’m look specifically at schools with programs in forensic science,” Malvaez said. “The college fair is a great opportunity because not a lot of colleges offer forensic science programs, they are harder to find. I like how everything works, things like fingerprinting. I think it would make a good job.”

The College Fair also offered a variety of workshops, available in both English and Spanish, on how to navigate the college process, which included topics such as applications, financial aid, essay writing, majors and careers, sports recruiting, transfers and parent support groups.

“For students, college needs to be a plan and not a dream. It’s never too early to start,” Whittier High Principal Tim Liggett said. “It’s wonderful that families have this opportunity every year to find out what the application process is and what resources are out there. Sometimes our students will find places that they’ve never heard of, and they’ll realize that it’s a great fit for them.”

Local vendors such as the Women & Children’s Crisis Shelter, the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce, Whole Child and Spiritt Family Services provided information and resources about social services programs available in the Whittier area.

“We are thrilled to see the amazing turnout at this year’s college fair. It’s wonderful to see all the families here and get a chance to talk with some of our parents,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “We want all Whittier Union students to have the necessary tools and resources they need to pursue their passion and post-secondary education goals.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

WUHSD_FAIR1: Three Whittier Union students excitedly receive pamphlets full of information and a guide to apply to UCLA during the District’s College Fair on Sept. 21.

WUHSD_FAIR2: A Whittier Union family receives application information from a California State University, Los Angeles representative during the District’s College Fair on Sept. 21.