WESTERN SAN JUANS – For anyone interested in furthering their education, from a soon-to-be high school graduate to an adult looking to learn new skills, the University Centers of the San Miguel and the San Miguel Resource Center will be hosting a college fair and financial information night Tuesday, Jan. 22, 4-7 p.m., at the Norwood High School.

Schools scheduled to attend the event include Colorado Northwestern Community College, Colorado Mesa University, Fort Lewis College, Colorado Northwestern Community College, and the Delta-Montrose Vocational College. Information will also be available for local educational opportunities through UCSM. The schools will discuss their online and virtual classroom opportunities as well as residential programs.

Because of the wide variety of schools attending, UCSM Director of Sustainability College Studies Robyn Wilson says there will be a variety of educational options available to match diverse goals.

“We are really excited about holding this in Norwood,” Wilson says. “The schools are going to have open booths for about the first hour and a half or so where people can wonder around and ask questions. The San Miguel Resource Center and USCM will have information about financial aid and offer information on what the first steps are in acquiring financial aid.”

At approximately 6 p.m., Wilson says representatives from each school attending the event will have an opportunity to speak about their schools and the various programs they offer.

The college fair is open to everyone, current and potential adult college students, parents, high school students and all adult learners interested in options for higher education and how to pay for it.  According to national statistics on FAFSA.gov, a college education, whether that is a technical, bachelor, or graduate degree means more job opportunities, higher income, and more freedom. There are many online and hybrid methods of delivery available now, which directly benefits our rural and remote location making it possible for anyone to gain higher education.

“There are more and more opportunities available online through virtual classrooms,” Wilson says. “Between the economy and between new technology, there are endless possibilities. Schools are getting better and better at servicing people at a distance.”

Early and thorough planning is critical for preparing for college. It is important to begin research for college as early as possible to ensure that students choose the right degree plan, school and financial aid package for them. The steps you take today will determine which college you attend in the future.

Computers will be set up to begin that process at the event as well as a list of documents needed and other possible sources for scholarships, grants and loans.

Wilson says this is the second straight year that UCSM and the San Miguel Resource Center have hosted a college fair and hopes after a successful inaugural event, it will continue to grow.

For information on the fair, call 970/369-5255 or visit ucsanmiguel.org.



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