March 10, 1997

UCSC workshop helps kids think about college and careers

By Francine Tyler

About 60 students from Branciforte Elementary School gazed into their crystal balls in February at a workshop hosted by UCSC's Career Center. (photos)

During the workshop at the school, a dozen UCSC students led the sixth graders through role-playing exercises to help them imagine their future careers and the challenges they may face. They also talked about requirements for college admissions and the transition from school to work.

The session followed up on an earlier workshop led by Career Center adviser Shawn Ogimachi, who coordinated the Branciforte program. Ogimachi gave the students a homework assignment to interview three people about their careers and write down all the courses required to enter the University of California.

At the end of the second workshop, the Branciforte students received certificates for participation in the series.

Sixth grade may seem too early to start talking about college, but this workshop actually came right on time. This month, Branciforte sixth graders are choosing the courses they will take in junior high, and what they select could mean the difference between simply graduating from high school and being admitted to college. For example, algebra isn't required for high school graduation, but is a requirement for college entry.

This was the first time the Career Center has sponsored an outreach program for this age group and this many kids, said Barbara Bedford, director of the Career Center.

"We'd like to do this on an annual basis," said Bedford. "Even if it makes a difference for only one of these kids--if only one ends up at UCSC or in the UC system--it's going to be worthwhile."

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