Hendricks College Network is sponsoring a college and career fair March 1 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville.
Residents from all areas of the county are invited to attend the fair titled “Take the Next Step.” Workshops begin at 5 p.m., and the fair runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event is the capstone to a month of college readiness activities in area schools and businesses. Each high school is offering a FAFSA Day/Night where families can come to the school to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form with the assistance of experts from the National Center for College Costs. Schools will also open a computer lab at 10 a.m. and keep it open, staffed with financial aid assistants from the NCCC, until 7 p.m.
Anyone interested in getting assistance or just filling out the form online may do so at any of the schools. Sessions are Feb. 15 at Avon High School, Feb. 16 at Brownsburg High School, Feb. 21 at Tri-West High School, Feb. 22 at Cascade High School, and Feb. 28 at Plainfield High School. Danville Community High School hosted an event earlier this week.
In addition to the 60-plus colleges, universities, trade schools, military programs, and career organizations that will be represented in the fair, workshops on scholarships, financial aid, apprenticeships, and more are scheduled throughout the evenings.
Popular workshops returning include Financial Aid 101, Essay Writing for College Admissions, Seeking Scholarships, and Apprenticeship/Military/Alternative Options. New workshops this year include NCAA Rules and Regulations for Student Athletes, Dual Credit Questions and Answers, Online College Programs, and Campus Life and Safety.
”We listened to what people were asking, and found experts to address those big concerns,” Cathy Bastin, executive director of Hendricks College Network, said. “For example, life on campus is best described by those who have very recently graduated, so we have a panel of recent college graduates discussing important issues for campus living, and answering questions about ‘real’ college life.
”We have something for 16-year-olds and 96-year-olds, and everyone in between. Whether you need to complete your GED or PhD, explore apprenticeship or military programs, or explore college choices and financial options for your high school child, this is the place to get all your questions answered.”
Another new event this year will be the College Fair Pre-game. From 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 29, HCN is hosting a Graduate Degree Fair at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex.
There will be more than 20 graduate school programs offering information to assist local residents in their quest to further their education at the graduate level, improve their employment opportunities, and achieve personal fulfillment.
Workshops will be more of “table discussions” with university experts in the areas of finance, GRE/GMAT Prep, statements of purpose, program format (online, traditional, accelerated, etc.), and differences between undergrad and grad programs.
Those attending the workshop will hear from all of the experts from 5 to 6 p.m. The fair will open from 6 to 8 p.m.
”This is something we have wanted to do for some time,” Bastin said. “Many of our residents are ready for that next level of education, and this is a great way to compare programs, get free resources and information, and ‘take the next step’ in a smaller, more intimate setting.”
For more information on these events, call Hendricks College Network at 745-8804 or visit the website at HendricksCollegeNetwork.org.
By NOREEN HYSLOP
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