Building Bright Futures Through Career & College Readiness Assemblies

Huntington UFSD continues fostering a college and career-ready mindset, starting at the earliest grade levels. This winter, school counselor Michelle Handschu has been leading engaging and age-appropriate career and college readiness assemblies at the district’s four primary schools, helping young learners begin thinking about their futures in exciting and empowering ways.

Recognizing that career exploration and self-belief can—and should—start early, Mrs. Handschu has tailored her presentations to meet the developmental needs of each grade level.

For kindergarten and first grade, students are participating in a dynamic growth mindset presentation, reinforcing the idea that their abilities can grow with effort, persistence, and a positive attitude. Through interactive discussions and activities, students are learning that mistakes are part of learning and that trying their best helps them succeed.

For second and third graders, the focus expands to building confidence and introducing career exploration concepts. Students learn the importance of believing in themselves, understanding that they have the power to choose their own future paths, and discovering the wide variety of occupations that exist in their communities and beyond.

“These assemblies are about planting seeds early,” said Dr. Ricky Papandrea, director of school counseling and testing, K-12. “When students understand that they have choices, and that their effort and mindset matter, we begin building the foundation for lifelong success. Mrs. Handschu is helping our youngest learners see themselves as capable, confident, and full of potential.”

The assemblies also connect directly to the district’s comprehensive school counseling program, which emphasizes college, career, and social-emotional development at every grade level.

“Career readiness doesn’t begin in high school—it begins with self-belief,” Dr. Papandrea added. “By introducing growth mindset and career awareness in the primary schools, we are creating a strong, aligned K-12 pathway that empowers students to dream big and work toward those dreams.”

Families are encouraged to continue these conversations at home by asking their children what they learned about different careers, what interests them, and how practicing perseverance helps them grow.

Officials said that Huntington UFSD remains committed to supporting every student’s academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary success—starting from their very first years in school.