Granite School District Freshmen Build a Strong Foundation with USU STARS GEAR UP
Building Lego towers and exploring future career pathways were two activities that Granite School District high school freshmen and their families participated in at the Road Trippin' to Success Resource Fair in August. The event was sponsored by USU STARS GEAR UP, a federally funded grant program at USU that serves students in under-resourced schools throughout urban and rural Utah from seventh grade through their first year of post-secondary education.
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Students enter a new educational environment as they begin their freshman year of high school. At the fair, Monica Gomez, USU STARS GEAR UP college adviser, shared practical tips for navigating the first year of high school. She said that success starts with a strong foundation. Then she encouraged families to build a Lego tower beginning with the smallest bricks. The towers collapsed quickly, demonstrating the challenges of building without a solid base.
“A strong foundation begins in ninth grade,” Gomez explained. She added that a foundation of good habits can be built in all students’ classes. One of those habits starts with understanding the teacher’s expectations and what is required for success in the class.
When Gomez asked who had a hard time asking for help, most of the hands in the room came up. She explained that asking for help is an essential tool for success because when procrastination is in the mix, it’s a hard habit to break.
Later, representatives from the Art of Scholarships discussed the importance of establishing strong study habits and routines.
Scott Chalmers, principal at Granite Technical Institute (GTI), gave a presentation on how students can start working toward their future in high school by taking classes at GTI. He shared that students begin by taking an aptitude test to narrow down their interests. GTI offers 14 career cluster pathways, which give students the opportunity to explore many options.
“We have high-wage pathways for aviation, cybersecurity, engineering, and biotechnology,” Chalmers said.
The cost of higher education is often a concern for families, but Chalmers explained that GTI helps students earn college credit for a fraction of the cost. GTI works to make it affordable for all families.
“One family can save ten thousand dollars by taking GTI classes,” Chalmers said. “Students can earn their associate degree or get close to it. If they don’t like the coursework, families are only out 15 dollars.”
While presenters emphasized building strong academic habits in ninth grade, the event also provided resources to help the students begin exploring their education options after high school. Families enjoyed college- and career-related games, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream while watching Jen Johnson, Hunter High School Principal, win a cornhole tournament.
The relaxed atmosphere gave families an opportunity to connect with site coordinators from Cyprus, Hunter, Kearns, Taylorsville, Cottonwood, and Granger high schools, who were available to help them learn about future opportunities and upcoming college- and career-related events at their schools.
“Site coordinators guide our students every day, helping them to succeed in high school, and learn what’s possible for their future,” explained Jason Payne, USU STARS GEAR UP project director. “It could be college, trade school, or military; we show them all of their options.”
Site coordinators loved the opportunity to interact with parents at the event as it allowed them to build relationships with students and their families at the beginning of their college and career journey.
“My favorite part of my job is interacting with the students, so I’m excited for every opportunity I can do that,” said Moira Paul, site coordinator for Kearns High School. “I love talking to students about the transition to high school.”