For families across Spring ISD, preparing for life after high school involves more than choosing a college. It means understanding tuition costs, discovering career interests, finding scholarship opportunities and helping students recognize that their goals are within reach. At Spring ISD's annual College Fair, students had the opportunity to take those important steps while connecting directly with the people and organizations that could help shape their futures.

Held Monday, September 28, 2026, at Dekaney High School, the Spring ISD College Fair brought together representatives from colleges, universities, scholarship organizations, military branches and community agencies. Students from across the district explored higher education opportunities, career training programs, financial aid resources and pathways to employment, all in one location.

For some students, the event helped narrow down college choices. For others, it introduced possibilities they had not yet considered. And for one Spring High School senior, it reinforced a goal that would eventually bring him right back to the classrooms where his own educational journey began.

Spring ISD Students Get an Early Start on College and Career Planning

One of the important messages of the Spring ISD College Fair was that students do not have to wait until their senior year to begin planning for what comes next.

Dekaney High School P-TECH sophomore Kylie Burns attended the event to research colleges and explore programs connected to her interests in the creative industry. Along with finding schools that offer relevant academic opportunities, Burns was already considering the financial side of higher education, particularly the higher costs often associated with attending an out-of-state university.

For families navigating college admissions, those conversations can make a difference. Understanding tuition, scholarships, financial aid and academic programs early gives students more time to compare options and make informed decisions before application deadlines arrive.

Dekaney sophomore Angelica Gomez was also looking ahead, with a particular interest in engineering and computer science. Although the University of Houston currently tops her list, Gomez used the fair to learn about other institutions and programs that could help her pursue a career in technology.

"It's important to look at the options you have now instead of later when it's already too late," Gomez said.

Her perspective reflects one of the benefits of introducing college and career readiness opportunities during the early years of high school. Students have more time to identify academic requirements, explore scholarship opportunities and build a plan that supports their interests.

Spring High School Senior Hopes to Return as a Spring ISD Teacher

For Spring High School senior Moises Discua, the College Fair offered an opportunity to research elementary education programs and take another step toward a career that holds personal meaning.

Discua hopes to become an elementary school teacher and eventually return to Spring ISD, the district he credits with helping him grow academically and personally.

Among the universities he is considering are The University of Texas at Austin, the University of North Texas and Stephen F. Austin State University.

"I'm here to find out more about the educational programs because I want to major in elementary education so I can come back and teach at Spring ISD," Discua said.

His interest in returning to the district illustrates how educational experiences can influence students long after graduation. For local families, the possibility of former students returning as teachers also represents a meaningful connection between one generation of Spring ISD students and the next.

Discua expressed appreciation for the resources and opportunities available through the district, explaining that his experiences both inside and outside the classroom have contributed to his desire to pursue education as a career.

For him, attending the fair was not only about selecting a university. It was about finding the right preparation to someday serve the community that helped shape his future.

Robotics, Engineering and Architecture Inspire Future Career Goals

Students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics also found opportunities to connect their classroom experiences with potential careers.

Carl Wunsche Sr. High School junior Darell Speares attended the fair with interests spanning technology, robotics, business, systems engineering and design.

Speares has been developing teamwork skills and gaining practical experience through robotics and business ventures while also researching scholarship opportunities. His long-term interests include systems engineering and architecture, particularly the process of creating blueprints and designing buildings.

"That's really my passion because I really like drawing," Speares said. "I'll be able to use my math skills and apply them to my job and help the community build stable buildings."

His goals highlight the connection between career and technical education, academic coursework and the skills students can eventually bring back to their communities.

For students exploring engineering, architecture, computer science and other STEM careers, opportunities to speak with college representatives can help clarify which degree programs, technical skills and educational pathways best align with their ambitions.

Spring ISD College Fair Includes Transition Resources for Students Receiving Special Education Services

Beyond traditional college admissions and career exploration, the districtwide event also included a transition fair specifically designed for students receiving special education services.

The transition fair connected students and families with community agencies and organizations that can provide support as students prepare for adulthood and life after high school.

These resources are an important part of postsecondary planning, particularly for families exploring employment opportunities, continuing education, independent living and community-based services.

Jennifer Barnes, Coordinator of Post-Secondary Success for Spring ISD, emphasized the importance of helping students understand that there are multiple pathways available after graduation.

"This fair is an opportunity for our students to transition to the next level," Barnes said.

By bringing community agencies together with colleges, scholarship organizations and military representatives, Spring ISD provided students and families with access to a broader range of information and potential support services.

For parents and guardians, having these organizations available in one setting can also create opportunities to ask questions and begin conversations about the resources their children may need in the years ahead.

College and Career Readiness Opportunities Continue Throughout the School Year

Although the districtwide College Fair has concluded, Spring ISD students will have additional opportunities to explore their futures.

Each Spring ISD high school hosts college and career fairs during the fall and spring semesters, providing students with continued access to information about college admissions, scholarships, career pathways and postsecondary education.

These events also give students opportunities to revisit their plans as their interests develop, academic goals change or new career possibilities emerge.

For Spring ISD families wondering how to help their children prepare for college, the district's ongoing college and career readiness activities offer a starting point. Students can work with their school counselors to explore universities, research financial aid, learn about career and technical education programs and identify upcoming opportunities to connect with admissions representatives.

Families can also encourage students to begin researching colleges and careers well before senior year, even if they are still uncertain about what they want to pursue.

Helping Spring ISD Students Build Futures That Matter to Their Community

The September 28 College Fair offered a glimpse into the many directions Spring ISD students hope to take after graduation.

Some are considering universities close to home, while others are exploring opportunities beyond Texas. Some are drawn to engineering, technology and creative careers. Others, like Discua, envision returning to Spring ISD to support the next generation of students.

Those different ambitions share a common starting point: access to information, encouragement and opportunities to explore what is possible.

For families throughout the Spring area, events like the annual Spring ISD College Fair serve as a reminder that preparing students for the future is a process that begins long before graduation day. Whether a student is interested in a four-year university, career training, military service or another postsecondary pathway, early exposure to available resources can help make the next steps clearer.

For more information about upcoming college fairs, scholarship resources and student opportunities, families can visit the Spring Independent School District website or contact their student's high school counseling office. 

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more updates on Spring ISD schools, student achievements, educational opportunities and the programs helping local students.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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