Host: Matt Watson
Topic: Career Counseling at SCVi and College of the Canyons
Eye On The Valley – SCV Educational Opportunities–  June 9th, 2023
Guests: Kris Nilsen, Tina Toval, Jasmine Ruys

On today’s episode of Eye on the Valley, host Matt Watson introduces Kris Nilsen, college and career counselor for SCVi Charter School, to the show. Kris goes into detail about her career background and what drew her into managing high schoolers and helping them find their passions for higher education and career readiness. She also goes extensively over different events that SCVi has planned for the end of the seniors’ school year, such as Senior Defense, Cap Decorations, and the famous “Clap Out” ceremony. She also highlights how the theater department recently put on a production of “Into the Woods” and the different opportunities that presented students in their theater CTE (Career and Technical Education).

Matt wraps up the first half by discussing different events celebrated today on June 9th, from Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day to Donald Duck Day.

On the second half, Eye on the Valley introduces Tina Toval to highlight the Antelope Valley sector of iLead’s home program. Tina goes in-depth on what services iLead Exploration offers those that are interested in it as well as offering reassurance to those apprehensive about home-based education. She goes over project-based learning and the benefits it offers students. After the break, Matt welcomes Jasmine Ruys, Vice President of Student Services at College of the Canyons, to discuss some new programs coming to COC and the plethora of different summer classes available all throughout the season. She also spotlights the Canyons Promise Program and how it’s continuing to serve over 2,000 COC students by giving them 2 free years of higher education.

Lastly, Matt and Dr. Ruys face off in Big T’s 5 Minutes of Fame.