Share This Article
A Career Counselor takes the job survey in the University of Denver College shop in Young AmeriTowne.
An important aspect of the Young AmeriTowne program is providing career exploration opportunities for elementary students. Thanks to the University of Denver, fourth and fifth grade students can do this for free in the AmeriTowne College shop!
Connor*, age 10, was a Career Counselor at the Young AmeriTowne College when Willow Creek Elementary ran the Towne this past spring. His role included helping his fellow citizens discover different careers through an online game called Paws in Jobland. “Here at the College, you take a test,” said Connor. It’s not an academic test, but rather a test that “gives you ideas about what you might want to be when you grow up. And it’s free!” he added. Students don’t pay for their “education” in the AmeriTowne College because each shop in Towne covers this fee.
Connor’s outgoing personality made it easy to recruit customers. There was a constant stream of students going in and out of the shop to take the job quiz, which only takes three to four minutes. While there, customers could also purchase a laminated student ID card, a fun souvenir from AmeriTowne, or a keepsake photo with a friend. Each of these products helps the College make a profit during the day.
By exposing young people to different career paths in Young AmeriTowne, the University of Denver allows students to imagine exciting and successful future. Thank you, University of Denver, for making this experience possible for more than 33,600 students each year. And, congratulations to the University of Denver’s undergraduate class of 2019, graduating this Saturday, June 15!
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of a minor student.
