FROM STAFF REPORTS

Montevallo Middle School eighth-grade classes, in collaboration with local colleges and universities, are sponsoring their first-annual Bulldog Mini-College Expo at MMS.

This event will be held April 22 from 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

The expo’s mission is to increase awareness of academic and career opportunities for middle schoolers, so that they may begin to examine their futures at this level in their academic careers.

As a part of an eighth-grade interdisciplinary unit, teachers wanted to get students interested in and familiar with opportunities beyond high school through various activities and lessons across the curriculum and school wide.

The expo will showcase various programs offered by participating colleges, universities and military divisions.

The prospective participants include: Jefferson State Community College, Jacksonville State University, Alabama State University, Miles College, Troy State University, University of Montevallo, military branches and motivational speakers.

Each student will have the opportunity to inquire about college life, financial assistance and prerequisites needed to be admitted.

Students will be required to dress in business attire to help familiarize and prepare them for future real world experiences.

“This will be a great opportunity to get parents, teachers and the community together to help plan our children’s futures,” said Montevallo Middle Principal Dr. Vanessa Nason.

The event is expected to accommodate approximately 100 eight-graders, along with their parents, guardians and community leaders.

If there are any interested participants or attendees who would like to take part in this worthwhile event, please contact Kenya Martin at 682-6410 by April 15.