Students from a dozen local area schools participated in an "Amazing Race College and Career Exploration" on June 15 where they applied problem-solving and teamwork skills to gain valuable information about college through interactive tours on the METRORail System.

After touring colleges and uncovering clues at each college destination, students returned for lunch at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), where ambassadors shared information about the campus with the students.

The event is sponsored by the Harris County Department of Education's Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment (CASE) for Kids and UHD's Center for Public Service and Community Research. It is supported by UHD's office of Minority Male Recruitment and Student Services. Other partners include Texas Southern University Houston Community College and the University of Houston

CASE for Kids summer programs through the Texas Education Agency's Aftershool Centers on Education's 21st Century Learning Center promote workforce awareness and college readiness as one of its four core components. CASE for Kids provides afterschool support services, including grant funding, training, and materials, which support more than 13,000 children in greater Harris County.

"This interactive field trip initiates a unique learning experience as it introduces students to colleges and universities as a means to encourage the pursuit of higher education," said Dr. Lisa Thompson-Caruthers, director of CASE for Kids.

"This event is one of the many ways UHD's Center for Public Service and Community Research engages with community members to facilitate partnerships that promote the education and well-being of all Houstonians," said Leigh Van Horn, interim dean of the College of Public Service.