Opportunities cross your pathway when less expected. This has been the experience for Ira De los Reyes, an AEC senior. After students participated in the Junior Achievement (JA) program Economics for Success, AEC administration was asked to identify a dynamic senior to speak about their JA experience this year. The student also will have the honor and responsibility of introducing Jean-Claude Brizard, Chicago Public School CEO, as he delivers his speech at JA Board of Director meeting. Ira was selected among six students interviewed by Valerie García, JA Director - City North & Latino Outreach.

On Thursday, March 15th, Ira presented JA quarterly report to a select group of business directors at the Union League Club of Chicago.  She was congratulated by Mr. Brizard several times during his speech for her excellent presentation. We echo Mr. Brizard's congratulations as IRA represented Chicago youths and AEC students with pride, honor and enthusiasm.

footnote: Ira was accompanied by Mrs. Castillo- AEC Assistant Principal and Ivette Maldonado- Senior advisor   

This week, ASPIRA Miguel del Valle Youth Development Center and the Workforce Invest Act (WIA) staff, took more than 35 Aspirantes, sophomores and seniors, tovisit The Ohio State University in search of opportunities and to expand their horizon. Students from ASPIRA Early College and ASPIRA Mirta Ramirez High School departed from Chicago adventured on a trip to OSU at Columbus on an overnight trip.

On Tuesday, March 13, students started their OSU campus visit with an information session. Tara Milliken, an admission representative, provided our students with a great insight and information about the many academic programs. In addition, OSU admissions requirements and tips were given to prospect students as they were asked about their program of interest. Interacting with the students, Ms. Milliken captured the attention of many Aspirantes as she showed how the student organizations impact OSU students, the community in Columbus and it surrounding areas. Multimedia presentation helped students get feedback from current students in regards to student life, academics, and other opportunities like study abroad or work study. At a glance, student learned about OSU fun facts, its history, safety policies, academic excellence, employment options, school statistics and more. Overall, Aspirantes were strongly encouraged to apply as incoming freshman and even as a transfer student. The Ohio State University offers several academic opportunities and financial resources for all prospect and current students

Followed by the presentation, an hour and a half walking took place where Aspirantes visited highlights of the campus such as the bronze Brutus Buckeye statue, the Student Union Building, the OSU stadium, the main colleges within OSU campus among others. After a great information session and an exhausting walking tour, students enjoyed the delightful meals of OSU cafeteria in the Kennedy Commons. The university offers a variety of meals and healthy options from which students delighted their pallets