Ballard High School Seniors Explore Post-Secondary Options at Inaugural Advisory Day
Ballard High School's Class of 2025 got a taste of their future possibilities during the school's first-ever Senior Advisory Day. The event, held during the advisory period, offered seniors a chance to dive into various aspects of post-secondary planning through specialized breakout sessions.
The innovative program featured 14 diverse sessions, each designed to address specific areas of interest and concern for graduating seniors. Topics ranged from practical skills like scholarship hunting and essay writing to career-specific information on business services, healthcare, and public safety professions.
The sessions, each facilitated by Ballard educators, athletic directors, University of Louisville representatives, business partners, Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) staff, and community organizations, covered a broad spectrum of topics:
1. KY Fame (JCTC) - Advanced manufacturing education
2. Evolve 502 - Scholarship opportunities and community resources
3. UofL School of Business - Business services careers
4. Resume Writing/Job Search - Job market preparation
5. Scholarships - Navigating financial aid options
6. Essay Writing - Crafting compelling college application essays
7. College Athletics - NCAA and NAIA recruitment processes
8. Attending an HBCU - Exploring historically Black colleges and universities
9. Law and Order: Firefighters/First Responder - Public safety careers
10. Dealing with Anxiety in Post-High School Planning - Mental health support
11. Hands-On Learners - Alternative career paths
12. Learning about the Military - Armed forces opportunities
13. Standing out in the College Interview Process - Interview skills
14. How to Study in College - Academic preparation
These sessions addressed practical concerns like resume writing and job searching, as well as specific career paths in business, healthcare, and public safety. For those considering higher education, topics ranged from scholarship hunting to preparing for college-level studies.
The event also highlighted important resources for Ballard seniors, including:
The Evolve502 scholarship program, offering tuition-free, two-year college degrees or certificates to eligible Jefferson County Public Schools graduates
The Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME) program, combining education with paid work experience
Guidance on navigating college athletics recruitment
Insights into attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
As the Class of 2025 looks ahead to their graduation, events like the Senior Advisory Day ensure they're well-equipped for the future. With this successful inaugural event, Ballard High School has set a new standard for senior year preparation, likely to become an annual tradition.
The school continues to support its seniors through various initiatives, including the sale of Class of 2025 yard signs as a fundraiser for the Ballard Performing Arts program. These efforts, combined with the Advisory Day, demonstrate Ballard's commitment to preparing students for success in college, vocational training, or the workforce.
