While the transition from middle school to high school can be hard for both students and parents, Troup County School System is making it easier to prepare for the change through an open house transition fair.

In March, students from all three middle schools took a trip to the Callaway Conference Center to experience career options, scholarship and financial aid information, pathway offerings, and high school extracurricular activities.

When the future high schooler’s walked into the conference center, they were greeted by high school leaders, area colleges and local businesses who all shared information about various offerings the students may need going into high school and post-secondary education.

Some of those offerings were:

• financial literacy

• dual Enrollment

• Pathway completions

• college scholarships and entrance information

The goal of the fair was equipping students with information so they can make an informed decision about areas of interest and pathways. To make the environment pathway friendly, each student was given a Pathway Passport that was stamped with their area of interest.

For example, there was a Healthcare Pathway Passport where students learned more about the field from West Georgia Technical College representatives.

When their passport was ‘stamped’ by visiting the necessary tables, their journey was complete.

The fair was divided into three pathways where businesses were aligned with a particular cluster within those three pathways. Local businesses and employers were throughout the transition fair so students were able to take an opportunity to inquire about future career options and obtain information about the business. For example, while students were learning about future monetary obligations like college tuition, Calumet Bank Branch Manager, Sheree McCurry also shared financial literacy information about checking and savings accounts.

“It’s important to speak with younger students as they look to make financial decisions in the future,” she said. “We can expose them to money management and let them know what options are available. Whatever pathway or career they choose, they will need to know about finances and financial options. We want to be there to help them make educated decisions now and as they get older.”

In addition, students also had the chance to learn more about THINC College and Career Academy, dual enrollment, and college opportunities. LaGrange College, West Georgia Technical College, Columbus State University, and University of West Georgia were all prepared with booths and college representatives available to answer questions.

Dr. Penny Johnson, Director of Secondary Curriculum for TCSS, feels college and career exploration is important before students enter high school.

“We have spent time with our eight grade students in their Keystone classes,” Johnson said. “This class provides curriculum and learning to help students get to know their interest and attitudes as they plan to make decisions about their future. The transition fair gives them the opportunity to interact with businesses, colleges, and to also learn more about dual enrollment opportunities as they move through high school and eventually end up in the world of work.”