On October 1st,  the entire 11th grade cohort at Normandy High School assembled to participate in the GEAR UP sponsored, Junior 301 program. Junior 301 was designed as an opportunity to engage students in college planning. The event was spearheaded by GEAR UP Liaison Michael Herron and Normandy Librarian Kwamina Walker-Williams. The planning committee consisted of Normandy Staff members, Beverly Thompson and Vicki Collier, and GEAR UP staff members Norma Burnett and Catherine Nkonge.

The event was divided into four sessions that ran simultaneously; 3 workshops and a College & Career Fair. Students were separated into four groups which rotated through each of the following sessions:

1: "Surviving High School" -Peggy Hull (Superior Support Services)

2: "College and Career Planning"- Alandrea Stewart (GEAR UP Scholarship Coordinator)

3: "Citizenship and Law" St. Louis County Probation Office

4: College/Career Fair

Students participating in the event were attentive and engaged in the overall theme and spirit of the event. Many students noted that their favorite moments came from meeting with the University and Career representatives. Some of the organizations participating were: UMSL, STLCC, Fontbonne, SLU, SEMO, Missouri Baptist, Academy of Beauty, St. Louis College of Health Careers and St. Louis Christian College. The event also attracted a large number of parent and community volunteers who agreed the program was worthwhile!