An important resource for students considering their next step is the Greater Arizona College Fair. Students and families from across the Valley have the opportunity to become more familiar with postsecondary career opportunities that include college, trade school, and military service.
This year, Mesa Public Schools will host the event at Skyline High School, in partnership with StriveScan, for students in grades 7 to 12. The in-person event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24. A virtual opportunity via StriveScan will be available from 5 to 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26.
Support at the college fair is one opportunity, but it doesn’t end there. All year long, Mesa Public Schools assists students and families in pursuit of their postsecondary hopes and dreams. The MPS Opportunity & Achievement department provides resources and works with school counselors, teachers, and administrators in a variety of ways to guide students through career choices. School teams create individual student plans, pathways to success, engage families in the process, help navigate college admissions, and secure financial assistance to ensure students are ready for their future.
Cynthia Catledge is the Mesa Public Schools career specialist in the district’s Opportunity & Achievement department. Cynthia shares that the upcoming college fair provides a great platform for students to start thinking ahead.
“The career fair opens doors for students to have important conversations with families, counselors, and favorite teachers about post-secondary opportunities,” Cynthia said.
Students should prepare for the college fair by visiting and researching school websites and making a list of questions to ask, as students will have the opportunity to interact with representatives. Once students better understand their options, their high school counselors will assist them with the next steps in their post-secondary education quest.
FASFA ASSISTANCE FOR COLLEGE
Dr. Michael Garcia, director of the Opportunity & Achievement department, wants parents to know that there will be a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) booth, specifically to help students fill out their FASFA form.
The FASFA is the free application used by all schools in awarding federal student aid. Most students receive some type of financial aid, and it’s highly recommended that students fill the form out even if they are unsure if they will qualify, so they are prepared when they start the application process.
“It’s one of the most important steps students and families can take to pay for college,” Dr. Garcia shares. “The earlier a student applies, the more sources of aid may be available.”
Students must pre-register for the Greater Arizona College Fair. They can use a QR code or register via Snapchat. StriveScan will be able to scan the student’s barcode at registration, making it easier and more efficient to share student contact information with exhibitors.
To learn more or to register online, visit mpsaz.org/collegefair/. Skyline High School is located at 845 S. Crismon Road, Mesa, AZ 85208