Nearly 400 local students and families explored post-secondary opportunities at College and Career Night Out on September 26 at Fremont High School. Representatives from nearly 60 colleges, job training programs, and community resources attended the event.
WE CAN! Newaygo County—the local career and college access network—and Fremont Area Community Foundation partnered on the annual event designed to give students a one-stop opportunity to learn more about post-secondary education, job training, financial aid, and more.
Melissa Miller, Administrator of Career and College Readiness for the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, said that the event was designed to spark curiosity and connection regarding college and career opportunities for local students.
“Giving the multitude of factors affecting a student’s choice to pursue higher education or training after high school,” Miller said, “this event continues to be a valuable resource for Newaygo County families. It brings together a diverse array of career and college resources, as well as representatives, all under one roof. Families can establish connections, have their questions addressed and, hopefully, come to realize the ample support available as they navigate the career and college selection process.”
Participants were invited to choose from four different informational sessions on financial aid, choosing a college, the Promise Zone, and preparing for a career through apprenticeships. After presentations and pizza provided by Fremont High School, a college and career fair in the gym allowed students to speak with representatives from a wide variety of schools and job training programs.
Representatives from the Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, Early College Newaygo County, Gerber Foundation, Michigan Works! West Central, Michigan Student Aid, Newaygo County Area Promise Zone, Newaygo County Career-Tech Center, and Fremont Area Community Foundation were also available to share more about the resources their organizations offer to students and families.
Miller and other event organizers expressed their gratitude to their hosts at Fremont High School, the adults and students who volunteered during the event, session presenters, community partners, and the local businesses who supported food and beverages, including Walmart and Heritage Farms Market.
