This year’s theme was “Preparing for the Future,” and event coordinator and school guidance officer Connie Chandler said 125 students were urged to look into available options for them after high school.
GCA data showed that each year, approximately 80 percent of its graduates pursue college education here and abroad; at least five percent will show interest in a military career; and the rest will seek immediate employment after graduation.
Chandler said they highlighted the many educational opportunities and scholarship programs available to students who want to go to college.
There were 14 participating groups in the event that included displays and Power-point Presentations.
Public School System’s federal program officer Tim Thornburgh talked about the Robert Byrd Scholarship program which provides a student up to $6,000 grant.
The Saipan Higher Educational Financial Assistance program, through its representative, former Rep. William S. Torres, discussed the financial assistance and opportunities for students offered by SHEFA.
Saipan Chamber of Commerce President Jim Arenovski said their group will provide workshops and training sessions that will help students in their chosen careers and employment.
The Chaminade University of Hawaii, the University of Guam, the U.S. Marine Corps and the International Business and Professional College encouraged seniors to participate in their programs.
Northern Marianas College, for its part, showcased its short and long-term courses while Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, discussed CNMI politics.
“We’re preparing our students to the outside world after their high school,” Chandler said. “In doing so, we have presented the many educational opportunities that await them after they graduate from high school. And to give some sort of balance, we also shared the possible employment opportunities or options available to them on island.”
Compared to the event last year Chandler described the turnout on Friday as “satisfying.”
“We’ve been preparing for this career day for two months and we’re happy to see that all our students are excited to know details of the careers and options they want to pursue,” she said.
Giving one-on-one interview with students are the representatives of the Department of Public Safety, U.S. park rangers, the Marine Corps, NMC officials, Calvo’s Insurance, PTI and MCV.
This school year, GCA hopes to graduate over 20 high school students.
“It is our desire for them to go to college after high school because most employment now requires college degrees,” Chandler said.
For Jonathan T. Salas, a 9th grader, the “exposure” of students to possible career and employment opportunities will help them in their decision-making.
“It’s an eye opener for many students — there are still a lot of careers that await us…other than just the military field. It is interesting to know the many programs that we can explore after high school,” he told Variety.
Ninth grader Moon Bin Hong, who wants to study at the University of Hawaii, said they appreciated learning the procedures involved in entering a college or university.
