In October of 2022, Winslow Township High School’s Eagles Landing, which specializes in student aid and well being, presented the Junior and Senior classes with an expo that showcased representatives from colleges and companies to establish connections in the process of planning what comes after high school. 

“I wanted students to learn the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity that presents.  This action itself will lead to their growth and development” according to Darchelle Brooks, Director of Eagles Landing.

Eagles Landing has been providing the expo for the last 3-4 years, and in that time,  have begun to include more opportunities with the experience. They have branched out by inviting trade schools and unions, as well as community service organizations, allowing students to establish connections and business relationships. Eagles Landing has done the heavy lifting with the intention to aid students establish a healthy work ethic and social skills.

Brooks believes, “…that students being present at the expo, targeting and interacting successfully with the organizations will prove to be most beneficial to them in the future.”

Students who attended the expo reported back on the significant value of attending one as they were provided with practical knowledge that they had previously not known. By speaking with representatives, students became informed of the multitude of options they have when deciding on a college to attend, the financial aid plans provided, and how each is unique to an institution. Most impressive was the acknowledgement of how attending such an event served in learning how to prepare for their careers after high school.  Junior Favour validates the student perspective by saying, “…these expos [are] informative…now I am convinced that I will never regret sacrificing my time to attend one.”

The information and opportunities these college related events provide cannot be expressed thoroughly with words, and educators strongly encourage students to attend them because it is imperative that the youth entrusted with shaping the world are adequately prepared on how to operate in the immense world outside of high school.

“There is no loss in attending these expos, but there is greater loss in not attending them” adds Nyanjoh. “Take the time, do research at every given opportunity.”