And After High School...

College and Career Night Out Highlights Post-Secondary Resources

Nearly 50 colleges, universities, trade schools, and military organizations were represented at College and Career Night Out on October 4.
Held at Fremont High School, the annual event drew approximately 600 students and families from across Newaygo County to learn more about post-secondary education, career opportunities, and financial aid. WE CAN! Newaygo County—the local career and college access network—and Fremont Area Community Foundation organized and sponsored the event.
Melissa Miller, WE CAN! coordinator, said that the event was designed to streamline the college and career decision process for local students.
“With so many factors that can influence a student’s decision to pursue higher education or training, this event continues to serve families in this process by bringing numerous resources and current information under one roof,” said Miller. “Families are able to make connections, get their questions answered, and hopefully realize there are many resources to support them as they navigate this selection process.”

Attendees enjoyed free pizza, spoke to college and career representatives, learned more about scholarships, and were able to attend informational sessions on financial aid and how to choose a college. A special session for ninth and tenth-graders was also included this year to offer insight on how they can prepare now for post-secondary education. After, ninth-graders received special “Promise Bound” t-shirts from the Newaygo County Area Promise Zone.
The college and career fair included a wide variety of public and private colleges, trade schools, and military branches. Students and parents could ask questions, compare programs, and explore financial aid opportunities.
Other partners with a presence at the event included Early College Newaygo County, Gerber Foundation, Michigan Works! West Central, Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, Newaygo County Career-Tech Center, and Telamon. College advisors and high school counselors were also available to check in with students and answer questions.
“I was able to receive a lot of valuable information I wouldn’t have been able to get on the internet,” said Jordyn Raymo, a student at Fremont High School. “I got to talk to a real person and learned a lot.”