Students of all ages will be thinking about their interests and reflecting on their futures Wednesday, Oct. 16, as part of the first-ever DiscoverU day.

The region-wide effort is designed to build excitement around college and career exploration in 275 schools. Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent, Renton, Seattle and Tukwila school district are participating.

“Research shows that when students think and plan for their futures, they do better in school. DiscoverU is designed to help all students — kindergartners through high school seniors – think about how education can help them achieve their dreams,” said Karen Tollenaar Demorest, vice president of programs for the Alliance for Education, an organization supporting DiscoverU.

As part of DiscoverU, educators will do the following during the school day:

• Wear college gear

• Talk to students about their educational or career pathway, what it was like and how they found their way

• Provide fun and engaging activities to help students think about their futures

Community partners also are participating in DiscoverU and will continue the momentum into after-school programming.

Organizations working directly with students are invited to pledge to participate in DiscoverU by visiting www.roadmaptocollege.org.

In addition, community dialogues are on tap Tuesday and Wednesday at Starbucks stores. The two-hour meetings will focus on the importance of post-secondary education and provide resources for community members. Sessions are scheduled

• 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, 10700 SE 208th St., Kent
• 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 1420 Harvey Road NE, Auburn

DiscoverU will serve as the kickoff to a year’s worth of events/efforts, including the Road Map to College campaign, an annual cycle of events and support for high school seniors.

College Application Completion Events will begin throughout the region in October. Students attending these events can get support applying to community, technical and four-year colleges; receive one-on-one writing support to develop and review their admission essays; consult with college reps and experts to help complete and submit applications; and enjoy free access to computers, printers and internet.

DiscoverU is being organized by the Seattle College Access Network, South King County College Access Network, Road Map Project and participating school districts. Many more partner organizations have come together to make the Road Map to College campaign a success, including the Puget Sound Educational Service District, Dream Project and Youth Development Executives of King County.

More information about DiscoverU, including sample activity lesson plans and helpful videos, can be found at www.roadmaptocollege.org.