McClymonds Educational Complex students (consisting of BEST and EXCEL high schools)  have the opportunity to explore career paths and interact one-on-one with public service agencies today, April 26, at McClymonds’ first annual Public Service Fair.

Organized by EXCEL’s principal Yetunde Reeves, the hands-on event takes place today from 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in McClymonds’ auditorium, 2607 Myrtle Street in Oakland. About 250 students will attend. The fair offers the following presentations and workshops:

• The FBI will present information on SWAT teams, bomb technicians and demonstrate fingerprinting.

• The California Highway Patrol will demonstrate simulated alcohol and drug impairment, and let the students get "up close and personal" with a patrol car, motorcycle and helicopter.

• Prosecutors and defense attorneys will show students how the criminal justice court system works via an interactive presentation.

• Oakland Police Department’s Youth and Family Services Division will show students how it investigates and combats crimes against children, including child prostitution and internet crimes.

• The Oakland Fire Department will bring its truck for students to examine, and will explain and demonstrate its procedures.

For more information on this event, call 510-879-3030, or email yetunde.reeves@ousd.k12.ca.us.

Over at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, younger students may begin dreaming about their future careers during the Elementary Backpack Giveaway and Read-In, today at 9:00 a.m. Hosted by the Oakland Parents Literacy Project and AT&T volunteers, the goal of the Read-In is to promote literacy and high school readiness.

AT&T’s volunteer network of retirees and employees will read stories and distribute free books and backpacks to about 250 students to help the kids get excited about reading.

The Oakland Parents Literacy Project was formed in 1999, by retired Senator Don Perata and local school leaders to improve literacy rates among Oakland children, and prepare them for high school and for graduation. The group hopes to improve student’s reading skills well before they reach the ninth grade, often considered the “make-it-or-break-it” year.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School is located at 960 10th Street in Oakland. For more information about the Read-In, call Gordon Diamond at 415-778-1230, Ryan Rauzon at 916-599-2911, or email hgdiamond@att.com.