th graders. The course addresses issues that arise during one of the most crucial times in a student’s life – their freshman year. Topics of discussion include the importance of education and building a solid foundation for future success through self analysis, time management, goal setting, decision making, study skills, test-taking strategies, career research, career academy selection, projectbased learning and critical thinking. The course will also help students plan for their futures. Schools offering Freshman Seminar are Antioch, Cane Ridge, Glencliff, Hillwood, Hunters Lane, Maplewood, McGavock, Overton and Pearl-Cohn. Specific components of the course include:

Guest Speakers – different guest speakers will visit with students every three weeks throughout the school year, addressing careers, post-secondary training, overcoming roadblocks, and much more.

PENCIL Foundation Class Mentors – PENCIL Foundation will mentor a program that pairs a mentor with three high school students for a 12-week period, culminating with a job-shadow opportunity.

Career Exploration Fair – The MNPS Career Exploration Fair will allow students a chance to meet with a number of business professionals and post-secondary educators to get a glimpse of various careers and what it takes to enter each field. All freshmen in the