Students will engage in a week-long interactive project to explore college options, empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures. By considering academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial aspects—including scholarships and aid—students will learn how these factors align with their personal and career goals. Collaborating with alumni and peers, students will build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, leading to a deeply personal understanding of their identity, capabilities, and aspirations as they present their findings in a mock college expo.

Throughout this project, students will develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by researching various college options and analyzing factors that influence their decisions, such as financial considerations and career aspirations. They will engage in self-reflection to establish their personal identity and sense of belonging, enhancing their self-efficacy. Students will also expand their content expertise, gaining hands-on experience with organizing financial plans and communicating their choices, demonstrating these skills during their mock college expo and final presentations.

Students will create visual exhibits for a mock college expo, including detailed posters and brochures showcasing their selected colleges with information on academic programs, campus life, and financial planning. Each exhibit will feature a comprehensive presentation, incorporating multimedia elements like videos or slideshows to effectively convey their research and choices. Additionally, students will produce a reflective journal documenting their thought process and decisions, highlighting how their chosen college aligns with their career goals and financial strategy.

Kick off the project with a college scavenger hunt where students gather information about various colleges by using websites, social media, and virtual tours. As they complete the hunt, they will identify specific attributes such as unique academic programs, campus culture, and financial aid opportunities. This engaging activity sets the stage for deeper research and helps students visualize potential college experiences.

Organize a culminating event where students host a mock college expo with booths showcasing their top college choices. Invite parents and community members to engage with students' presentations on academic programs, campus life, and financial planning. Facilitate interactive discussions and provide visual aids, ensuring students effectively communicate their research and decision-making processes. Encourage students to answer questions and provide deeper insights into their unique college selection journeys, highlighting how their choices align with personal goals and financial considerations.