This year, YES Prep secondary students across the district participated in the first My Future Fair, a new junior seminar experience designed to help students connect career exploration, college planning and postsecondary readiness through one culminating project. 

The event gave students the opportunity to showcase the work they completed throughout the school year that reflected their future goals, career interests, and college pathways. 

Students presented projects highlighting career research, college exploration, postsecondary goals, and hands-on career learning experiences. While each campus approached the event differently, every secondary campus participated in some way through after school family events, classroom presentations or student showcases on campus. 

Connecting Career Exploration to College Readiness 

Throughout the year, students in junior seminar completed curriculum focused on career pathways, college research and postsecondary planning. Through those lessons, students explored career expectations, college fit, financial planning, living wages, and the educational pathways connected to their goals. 

The My Future Fair brought those experiences together in one final project, encouraging students to revisit and refine the plans they created earlier in the school year before entering senior year. 

“The project really helped students solidify whether this was something they wanted to do or not,” said Jah Lowery, a junior seminar teacher at Southwest Secondary. “Some students realized they loved the career they explored, while others realized it was not the right fit. Both outcomes are important.” 

One junior, Jason M., connected his experience working in retail to a presentation about business management and the financial risks companies face. Through his project, he explained how customer service and professionalism directly impact business success, using lessons he learned while working at JCPenney. 

Another student, Ximena A., explored her interest in theater production by leading a student production of Cinderella featuring two casts of students across multiple grade levels. As part of her capstone project, she connected her work in theater to her long-term goal of one day opening a community-focused theater program. She was later accepted into two competitive summer opportunities, including one that offered a full scholarship. 

Giving Students Space to Showcase Who They Are 

For many teachers and families, one of the most impactful parts of the event was seeing students present with confidence and speaking passionately about their futures. 

At Southwest Secondary, approximately 140 juniors presented projects in the cafeteria using trifold displays that encouraged students to creatively showcase their work. Families, alumni, teachers, and friends attended the event, creating an environment that felt both celebratory and reflective. 

“What stood out to me most was that students became the main attraction,” Lowery said. “They were not relying on reading from their boards. They were speaking from the heart.” 

Teachers said the event allowed them to see students in a completely different way. Students who may not typically stand out in traditional classroom settings were able to shine through project-based learning and presentation skills. 

The event also created opportunities for families to engage in conversations about life after high school. Parents were able to see the work students completed throughout the year while learning more about their children’s future goals, interests, and career aspirations. 

For some families, the projects sparked conversations they had never had before. 

“Kids do not always want to talk about their futures at home,” said Bianca Perez, content specialist on the College Initiatives team. “This gave families a chance to better understand what students are learning, what they are considering and how YES Prep is preparing them for what comes next.” 

Preparing Students for Senior Year and Beyond 

As the first group of students to experience the full junior seminar curriculum alongside My Future Fair, teachers said the difference in preparation is already visible. 

Students are entering senior year with stronger college portfolios, clearer career goals and a better understanding of the steps needed to pursue their plans after graduation. Many students now have identified colleges, researched financial expectations, explored backup pathways, and practiced talking confidently about their goals before senior advising begins. 

The My Future Fair reflects YES Prep’s continued commitment to college readiness by helping students explore opportunities, practice real world decision making and build confidence before graduating from high school. 

To learn more about YES Prep College Initiatives visit here. Families interested in joining the YES Prep community can apply today.