On Wednesday, April 8th, the Dual Enrollment Team hosted a K-12 engagement event at Skyline College, welcoming approximately 130 10th and 11th-grade students from the South San Francisco Unified School District for a day of college and career exploration.
The goal of the event was to provide a glimpse into the various pathways, student support programs, and learning communities within Skyline College. To deepen that understanding, Skyline College faculty, students, and program coordinators hosted a series of hands-on activities that reflected real-world professional experiences, engaging students in active learning beyond traditional presentations.
Throughout the event, the Skyline College Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development, Dual Enrollment, and Outreach teams supported students in smoothly transitioning between workshops and provided support to students who were just curious about Skyline College itself.
The workshops and programs included:
· The Learning Center: Putting the “Professional” in Professional Emails
· Digital Arts: Zombies Among Us
· Skyline College Unlocked: Tour, Explore, Discover
· (EMT) Emergency Medical Technology: From Scene to Safety
· Electrical Engineering – Light it Up – Solder your own Flashlight!
· Biotechnology Program: How Many Cells Does it Take? A Biotech Mystery
· Career Readiness: Learn How To Show Up & Show Out.
In the EMT workshop, hosted by Brian Gordon (Clinical Coordinator and Lab Instructor), students learned from an EMT professional how to safely secure and transport a patient during a medical emergency. Students were placed in groups and demonstrated what they had learned to a classmate. They practiced carrying a patient up and down stairs while protecting key body areas.
One student shared, “I loved the EMT and Biotech sessions, so thank you so much for the effort you guys put into this!!”
Ana Aragona, a member of the SPWD team who oversaw the Allied Health (EMT) workshops, commented, “The students were very engaged and seemed very excited. So many of them took photos, I was surprised.”
In the Digital Arts workshop, hosted by Digital Arts Professor Sam Sanchez, students collaborated to create a short film. Filming in the halls of Building 1, they recreated a zombie movie while being filmed on a professional camera. Students played the roles of zombies and heroes, experienced being set assistants for the day, and learned how to make a film more cinematic.
In the Electrical Engineering workshop hosted by Instructors Nick Langhoff and Marco Wehrfritz, students soldered their own flashlights in the Fabrication Lab and used the same professional tools utilized in the field.
In the Biotechnology workshop hosted by Professor Jing Folsom and her biotech students at Skyline College, students stepped into the role of a scientist. In the lab, students learned how to count cells and set up experiments to study viruses that cause cancer. They were taught a simple technique that professional researchers use to study and discover potential treatments.
In the Learning Center workshop, hosted by Academic Support and Learning Technologies, Instructional Aide II, John Crew, students learned about valuable services and how to write professional emails.
The Career Readiness workshop was hosted by Ron Chand from Career Services. Students were introduced to concepts like “aura max” and “networkmaxx,” focusing on how to present themselves confidently and build professional connections.
One student shared, “I really liked this event overall, especially the first breakout room with Ron Chand. His energy was great, and his career readiness information was helpful.”
During the middle of the day, Acting Dean of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development, Lindsey Ayotte, shared how higher education at Skyline is both attainable and affordable. When she quizzed students at the end, they were eager to share the excitement around knowing that Skyline College is free.
To end the day, students were given time to walk around the Farallon Room for a club rush, where they experienced the energy of campus life firsthand. Various clubs and programs from the College tabled to share information, answer questions, and further engage them in campus life.
Participants included the Transfer Center Allied Health, Career Readiness, Education & Child Development, UMOJA/ASTEP, Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics, Promise Scholars Program, Math Department/Math Club, PCN/Kababayan, Health and Wellness Center, Active Minds, ASSC, Journalism Club, and Dance Program.
During the club rush, SSFUSD students were able to engage with Skyline College students and staff, collecting information as well as fun swag items like stickers, snacks, and trinkets at each table. Some tables, such as Allied Health illustrated above, showed off tools used in their field and had students get a feel for them. They got to rotate to different tables and understand the different communities on campus better and were engaged, asking questions, and curious!
One student shared, “I loved it, met people that I knew on campus, and learned a lot.”
Another student shared, “I really enjoyed the event, and it has helped me finalize my decision on coming here.”
This Next Steps event gave students a hands-on introduction to Skyline College, connecting them with programs, faculty, college students, and resources that support their academic and career goals. Through these experiences, students were able to see themselves on a pathway forward, both in college and beyond.
Photos by Claudia Paz & Shruti Ranade
Written by Katelyn Pansoy & Alex Fuentes
