Family College Day
More than 300 students, parents and family members learned more about college, explored careers and had some fun at Family College Day held April 24 at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. One lucky student even walked away with a free Dell laptop, and another family won a free trip to the beach!
“This event provided a wonderful opportunity to begin a dialogue with students and their parents about the importance of pursuing postsecondary educational opportunities,” said Dr. Adam Green, Director of the Division of Student Success and P-20 Initiatives for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
During the event, parents learned about ways to pay for college through financial aid and college admission workshops. They also joined students for classes in health science, engineering, creativity and design.
Students and family members participated in CPR training courses and ATV safety classes, tested their agility at the rock climbing wall and received free facials and manicures.
Attendees logged on to CFWV.com, a FREE web portal for college and career planning, to explore options for education after high school.
Students who weren’t yet old enough to pursue a college degree hung out in the “Kids Zone," which featured a Bounce-House, Velcro Wall, and an obstacle course. The younger students were entertained by clowns, animal balloons, and face-painting.
Family members of all ages enjoyed free food, cotton candy and snow cones.
In addition to receiving college information and a dose of fun, Family College Day attendees were able to win a variety of prizes, including $200 in savings bonds, gift certificates and tickets to Grand Prix, the movies, laser tag and a paintball park. One lucky Burch Middle School student walked away with a free Dell laptop and another family won a free trip to Myrtle Beach (including airfare and a two-night hotel stay)!
Elizabeth Manuel, the West Virginia GEAR UP Regional Coordinator for the Southwestern Region, coordinated the event.
“We were very pleased with the response from students, families and the community as a whole,” Manuel said. “The intent of Family College Day was to provide students the opportunity to explore college and career options, learn about financial aid opportunities and expose them to campus life. I believe we accomplished this and look forward to another opportunity to get our community and families engaged in preparing our students for education and training beyond high school.”
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Additional Information and Resources
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical CollegeThe College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV.com)