“I learned that anyone can succeed in life, no matter where you come from”
7th grade student at Worcester East Middle School

The MASFAA Early Awareness and Outreach Committee agrees! Each year the committee plans an event for middle school students called the Carnival of Learning. The purpose of the program is to show students the importance and accessibility of a post secondary education. The event is possible with the generous support of local area colleges and agencies who volunteer to set up a booth and demonstrate a particular career or program of study. This year we were grateful to have Massachusetts Bay Community College, New England School of Optometry, Nichols College, North Shore Community College, Quinsigamond Community College, Tufts University Cummings Veterinary School, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Springfield Technical Community College and the Worcester Fire Department participate in the event.

The event took place on November 19th at Worcester East Middle School (WEMS). This was the first time the committee planned the event outside of the annual MASFAA Conference and it was a huge success! Holding the event at a school made it easier to find students to participate as transportation and permission slips were no longer an issue. It also provided an opportunity for teachers, the school principal and site Gear Up coordinators to share the experience with the students.

The event was held in the gymnasium in place of their usual after school program. As the students were no longer out of school for an entire day we were able to offer snacks in place of lunch. The committee worked hard to solicit food donations from companies such as Russell Orchards, Stop and Shop and Chupi Time Rolling Kitchen. With the support of these companies we were able to offer healthy options and save a significant amount of money in our budget.

There were nine booths staffed by colleges and agencies, each representing a classroom. The students were provided a schedule and made their way to each class full of enthusiasm and excitement. As the day progressed the students discovered the many facets of sports management and veterinary medicine, the resources needed to become an entrepreneur, the public service of a career in fire fighting and medicine and uncovered the problem solving abilities needed to obtain a career in engineering and robotics.

After the lessons were finished, the students made their way to the auditorium to hear a panel of three Gear Up alumni. Raymond Umuna, Dewin Hernandez and Sara Hanna all shared their personal stories and college experiences with the students. Each speaker sent a positive message about how dedication and hard work can help in pursuing a college education and fulfilling your dreams. The students were fascinated by the speaker’s international travel and to hear Sara speak in her native Egyptian language. “Sara got to go and climb some pyramids and Dewin has traveled to Greece, Raymond is from Africa” wrote one student. At first there was reluctance to ask questions but the audience quickly rose to the occasion. They were interested to find out about the level of support provided by friends and family during the college search as well as the alumni’s program of study, difficulty of coursework and social life. The speakers each emphasized the importance of keeping a healthy mind and body and stressed the impact a healthy diet can have on a busy student.

As the day came to a close, we provided each student with a drawstring backpack filled with school related items such as notebooks, pens, rulers, lunchboxes and college t-shirts. All of the giveaways were made possible with the generosity of local area companies, colleges, lenders and guarantors.

Students filled out evaluations and provided a great deal of positive feedback about what they learned and enjoyed most about the program. One question asked of the students was “What is something positive you learned about yourself and your future career today? Answers included: “That if you work hard you can do anything”, “That I can go to college for anything and never quit.” The fact that many of the middle school students came away with the feeling they can attain a college education and create a bright future meant we accomplished our goal!

Due to the changes in the program and the abundance of volunteerism, donations and support from the MASFAA community, we are pleased to announce that we saved enough money to discuss planning an event in the spring as well. That means this year the Early Awareness and Outreach Committee would be able to more than double the number of students who benefit from the program! If you want to participate in the Carnival of Leaning see the Early Awareness and Outreach Committee web site and send us an email!

These eager children are your future students!

Click here to view photos of the event.