April 25, 2011
Contact: Lesley Fry (419) 995-8671 or Pam Joseph (419) 995-8284
Multicultural Career Day exposes youth to careers, importance of higher education
The Ohio State University at Lima and Rhodes State College will host the 11th Annual Multicultural Career Day for area high school students from 9:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m., Fri., April 29, 2011, in Science 100.
“This day provides the exposure and opportunity for youth to engage in the career planning process and help them understand the importance of being academically successful now as they prepare for a higher education,” said John Upshaw, diversity officer at Ohio State Lima. “Census data consistently shows that a college degree correlates directly to a higher salary range. It is our responsibility to promote a sense of awareness that education beyond high school is an essential element.”
More than 65 students from area high schools are expected to attend the event. While there, each student will attend three career sessions facilitated by area professionals representing careers including business, education, fashion, engineering, law, social work, medicine and sports.
The keynote speaker of the event is Marlon Shackelford. As a former associate professor for the College of Violence Interruption Process in Chicago, Illinois, and one of the nation’s top 100 violence prevention specialists under the Clinton Administration from 1994-2000, Shackelford addresses young audiences on topics including substance abuse, crime/violence prevention, and educational deficits. He will speak to this particular group about the differences between a job and a career.
Participants will also enjoy entertainment from the Chenaulte Dancers of Dayton Public Schools, an 8-year-old rapper from Dayton who will deliver a testimonial, and a 16-year-old high school senior who has been accepted to Spelman College.
An agenda of the day follows.
9:30-10:00 a.m. Welcome from Ohio State Lima and Rhodes State College
Keynote address from Marlon Shackelford
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Career Session Blocks
12:05-12:25 p.m. Lunch
12:30-1:15 p.m. Entertainment from Chenaulte Dancers, Patricia Johnson (rapper) and Johnetta White (16-year-old motivational speaker)
This event is sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity at Ohio State Lima and the Office of Community Outreach at Rhodes State College.
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