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Newsroom » Superintendent Austin Beutner Talks Mentorship and Support With 800 High School Seniors at Annual College and Job Fair (10-10-19)

Superintendent Austin Beutner Talks Mentorship and Support With 800 High School Seniors at Annual College and Job Fair (10-10-19)

News Release

Contact: Shannon Haber (213) 241-6766 

 

 

Superintendent Austin Beutner Talks Mentorship and Support With 800 High School Seniors at Annual College and Job Fair

LOS ANGELES – (Oct. 10, 2019) – Superintendent Austin Beutner today joined Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III, Pastor J. Edgar Boyd and special guests at the “Hoops and Options” college and career fair at First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church. The event links students to counselors, mentors and other caring adults who can help them on the road to post-secondary success.

“We are here today to talk about opportunity and talent,” Superintendent Beutner said. “You don’t need a label or a jersey to find talent. The talent is in each of you, and it is my job to make sure there is opportunity to go with that talent. When you come to school every day, we want to make sure the doors of opportunity are open for you.

Superintendent Austin Beutner speaking to more than 800 students at First AME Church in Los Angeles. “Today is an important step, but when you leave school, you will need to find the opportunity in life that you want for yourself,” he continued. “To find that opportunity, you will need to open your eyes, ears and listen. Listen to those around you: family, teachers, counselors and others in your schools and community who have walked the same journey. Everyone is here today to help because we believe in you. We know that the talent is there, and we want to help you find that opportunity.”

The annual event brought together more than 800 students from high schools across southern and western regions of Los Angeles with predominantly African-American communities.

Students gathered at a morning orientation where they heard inspirational words from the superintendent, Dr. McKenna, Pastor Boyd and others before transitioning to workshops aimed at connecting them to resources to support their college and life goals.

“As you head down the road to life after high school, the most important thing you will find are caring adults who can lead the way,” Dr. McKenna said. “You’re going to find many people right now who are ready to guide you. Please allow us to guide you. We are here to make sure you get as far as you are willing to go.”

“Our fourth-annual event helps students prepare for a responsible, productive and successful life,” Pastor Boyd said. “This means helping them get into college, trade school, or getting their careers launched. There are great organizations with us today, and we are all here to bridge the gap and take these students to the next level.”

Throughout the day, students visited booths to speak with representatives from more than 20 colleges and universities, including from a dozen Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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