Clark Hosts Take your Child to Work Day 2025

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Kids explore campus with fun hands-on activities

Dozens of children—from toddlers to teens—took over Clark College’s main campus on April 24 for Take Your Child to Work Day 2025. This annual national tradition, now over 30 years strong, offers children the opportunity to imagine their future careers, explore the world of higher education, and learn more about the work their parents do every day.

At Clark, the event is more than a fun day off school—it’s a chance for young minds to engage with science, art, technology, and wellness through interactive activities across campus. For many, it also sparks early interest in college and the diverse career paths available in higher education.

Hands-On Learning and Big Smiles

The day’s main activities were hosted in Gaiser Student Center, where children moved from table to table, building, creating, and discovering. Some highlights:

Future penguin Jasmine hangs out with therapy dog Oso (Basic Needs Hub). Jasmine is the daughter of Gabriela Sanchez-Ronceros (Transitional Studies).
Alyssa Montminy from ODEI and son, Finn build with Lego bricks.
Asher shows his half-eaten cookie while his aunt Jenifer Rivera (Financial Aid) looks on.
Daniel Rogers (Foundation) and daughter Scarlett, who built a platonic solids 3D shape at the STEM Engineering table.
  • Security made 91 future penguin ID badges that children proudly wore
  • Jasmine, daughter of Gabriela Sanchez-Ronceros (Transitional Studies), knelt on the floor to pet Oso, the therapy dog.
  • Finn and his mom, Alyssa Montminy (ODEI), got creative with Lego bricks.
  • Asher, supervised by his aunt, Jenifer Rivera (Financial Aid) painted a cookie – and later showed off his bright blue lips and tongue after eating it!
  • Scarlett and her father, Daniel Rogers (Foundation), worked together to build a platonic solids 3D shape at the STEM Engineering table.
  • Oliver, son of Cath Bush (Student Life), gently cradled empty mason bee cocoons during a guided tour of the STEM bee garden, proudly sharing them with others.

The main event was held in Gaiser Student Center. For two hours, children explore the world of higher education at Clark with these fun, interactive activities including:

Steven Clark (Biology) shows future penguin Megan a pollinator her captured in the STEM bee garden. Megan's mother Rachel works in WES.
Steven Clark (Biology) shows future penguin Megan a pollinator her captured in the STEM bee garden. Megan’s mother Rachel works in WES.
Mira Olenin (Financial Aid) and son Matthew pose with Oswald.
Sisters Chloe and Aria hold the cookies they painted while their mom, Janessa McLachlan and grandmother, Joanne Vaughn (Financial Services) watch.
The STEM Engineering table was busy with older kids building platonic solids 3D shapes.
  • Bee walk – Discover native pollinators on campus
  • Meet Oso – Hang out this friendly therapy dog and learn about our Basic Needs Hub
  • Platonic solids – Create and build geometric 3D shapes with our Engineering department
  • Cookie Decorating – Paint and snack on delicious cookies made by Clark’s bakery
  • Fidget making and mandala coloring – Fidget toys, mandala coloring, mindfulness activities and snacks for all age groups provided by our Counseling and Health Center
  • Oswald the penguin – Snap a photo with Clark’s official mascot

Campus-wide Adventures:

Charla Kimball (Accounting Services) and son Preston wait for their lunch in MCI..
In the Clark Bookstore, Rachel George (WES) and daughter Megan guess how many chocolates are in the container

Beyond Gaiser hall, families were invited to explore the wider campus through self-guided activities:

  • Security desk: Kids got official-looking ID badges. Security made 91 badges!
  • Bookstore: Played a Penguin guessing game and collected free lanyards for their new “badges”
  • Welcome Center: Starting point for a scavenger hunt
  • Beacock Music Hall: Tried out different musical instruments
  • Cannell Library: Enjoyed story time in the reading corner
  • McClaskey Culinary Institute & Bakery: Kid-friendly lunch and treats including snack boxes, mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.
  • Archer Gallery: Explore visual art exhibits
  • Japanese Gardens: Wandered through peaceful paths and fountains

About Clark’s Take Your Child To Work Day

National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is an annual event held on the 4th Thursday of April where parents are encouraged to bring their children to work for one day. The event is designed to help children learn about different careers and gain exposure to the workplace.

Take Your Child to Work Day at Clark is a celebration of learning, family, and the joy of curiosity. As future penguins explored the campus, they left with full bellies, wide eyes, and maybe even a new dream or two.

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