It used to be called Career Education and it started in Elementary School with Career Days. Vivian Fowler Elementary School has taken it one step farther. Their 4th grade students are enrolled in Fowler College.
As an enrichment project, Fowler College is designed to give students the opportunity to explore career possibilities.
“At the beginning of the school year, we explained the purpose and expectations of Fowler College to every 4th grade student,” explained Fowler Assistant Principal Cristy Nolen. “Those who wanted to participate completed a ‘Fowler College’ application stating their personal qualifications and what they expected to gain from the experience. After acceptance, students began the coursework.”
First, they completed individual and group research on the career possibilities of their choice and participated in hands-on, high interest field trips to area schools and businesses. Students interested in careers in culinary arts spent time at the MPHS Culinary Arts classroom using professional grade equipment to make cookies alongside senior culinary arts students. Those interested in a career in art, visited the MPHS Art Department while those interested in web design spent some time in the MPISD Student Technology Center learning basic computer coding skills. Students with an interest in business had the opportunity to talk to the owners of Jo’s Coffee Shop and The Look Hair Salon.
They also went to Guaranty Bank for a mock loan meeting to pitch their business ideas to bank president, Trent Abbott, and Jay Yancey in an attempt to borrow start-up monies. They got to turn the tables when one bank official pitched an idea to them. The students weren’t interested in funding a Worm Farm so they turned him down. Students interested in health care spent time with the HOSA students at MPHS learning how to use a stethoscope, check reflexes, and wrap a broken hand. Finally, Fowler College students interested in animal science had the special treat of spending a day with Dr. Senn and Dr. Skidmore. These students experienced animal surgeries, learned how to assess x-rays, and assisted as the doctors gave puppies their immunizations.
The next step for students is to design and present a project on the career that they are most interested in pursuing. Students will present the projects to their classmates and a panel of professionals who will then present each student with a diploma marking their graduation from Fowler College.
“This is the first time we have tried something like this,” Nolen explained. “We hope to make it a regular part of our 4th grade experience. Without a doubt, this diploma will be their first of many.”