UCF/Valencia Downtown Tour: ELEVATE Orlando and OCPS ACE K-8 School
On June 23, 2021, PEID partnered with UCF Downtown and Valencia College Downtown to host 50 incoming 9th grade students in the ELEVATE Orlando program and from OCPS ACE K-8 School for a UCF/Valencia Downtown campus tour. For most students present, this had been the first time they visited the campus and learned firsthand about what the UCF and Valencia partnership meant for their academic and professional careers.
Students were welcomed by First Stop, an area located in the first floor of the Union West building designed to assist students with questions about admissions, financial aid, registrar’s office, and more. They first heard from Margo Johnson, one of the First Stop staff members, who provided an overview of the office and explained how helpful they can be, especially when students are starting out in their college career.
Afterwards, students were given a presentation with highlights about the campus and learned about student living, recreational options, campus culture, as well as upcoming projects like the Creative Village Park. Dr. Ross Wolf, Professor and Interim Assistant Provost of UCF Downtown, had the opportunity to briefly speak to the students following the presentation and give them insight into what the college and career path can look like—his story helped students understand that sometimes it’s a linear process and sometimes it isn’t, and that’s okay.
The next session was all about career exploration. Each student had the choice between learning about careers in healthcare, culinary, or digital media and gaming.
Students interested in the healthcare path heard from two students currently in medical school and had the opportunity to, not only understand the different paths you can take to medical school, but also other degrees in healthcare that can lead to successful and fulfilling careers. Those interested in the culinary and hospitality field had the chance to tour the beautiful facilities and see students working in real time, learn about the different careers they can get into through the program, and postsecondary options through the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF should they choose to further their education.
Most students were interested in learning about digital media and game development at the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA). Ben Noel, executive director of FIEA, discussed the graduate program offered and the different specializations they can choose to focus on, as well as upcoming opportunities as EA Sports relocates to downtown Orlando. Students were able to tour the classrooms as they learned about what a career in this industry can look like.
Towards the end of the tour, students heard from the Valencia Transitions Planning team about pathways to postsecondary institutions. They were provided with valuable information on steps to take while in high school in order to assist with a smoother transition into college. While they were given this presentation, group leaders were in a different classroom participating in professional development exercises to sharpen their ability to engage with youth from the community. This session was facilitated by Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs, the Founder and Executive Director of New Image Youth Center in Parramore.
The students were engaged and asked intentional questions throughout each breakout session. The last presentation was facilitated by CCIE assistant professor, Dr. Trenton Marsh, who spoke to the group about strategies to overcome obstacles, such as setting SMART goals. Once the last presentation concluded, the group had lunch and were given swag items from both UCF and Valencia. Staff from both organizations appreciated the visit and shared that students had a positive and motivating experience.