Program designed to get local students college-ready and career-focused
Northwestern State University, Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Louisiana Christian University and the City of Alexandria will present Rock Your Future College Ready Expo starting at 6 p.m. Friday, March 25, at the corner of Third and Murray Streets under the clock.
The Rock Your Future College Ready Expo is designed to help parents and high school students as well as recent high school graduates get information about enrollment, financial aid, learn about college life and explore various career paths. On-site assistance will be available to help with completion of the FAFSA financial aid form. Organizers stress the program helps students become college ready and career focused.
The event will be held in conjunction with the Downtown Rocks performance featuring Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs.
“Central Louisiana is fortunate to have so many outstanding educational options for students,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeff Hall. “Students have local options to obtain a four-year degree or to get job-skills training and a work credential to get into the workplace faster. Or they can do both, getting a work credential and then build on that later as they further their education. The important thing is that students understand what their options are and how they can apply for financial aid to help make their dreams become reality. That’s what the Rock Your Future College Ready Expo is all about – getting students and parents the information they need to make a decision about how best to move forward with their education and go on to having a productive work career.”
“Northwestern State University Cenla Campus Instructional Site, located on England Airpark in Alexandria, is a responsive, student-oriented institution that is committed to the creation, dissemination, and acquisition of knowledge through teaching, and service,” said Jason Parks, Executive Director of the Alexandria Campus. “The Alexandria Instructional Site serves the Central Louisiana Region and contributes to the overall education, development, and experiences of students by locally offering support services as well as courses through various delivery methods to include face-to- face, compressed video, and online delivery, which contribute to the workforce needs of our employers and community. Northwestern State University prepares its students to become productive members of society and promotes economic development and improvements in the quality of life of the citizens in its region.”
“LSUA is a local, high-quality option for Alexandria and Pineville families seeking an affordable college degree from the flagship LSU System campus that is right here at home,” said Dr. Paul Coreil, LSUA Chancellor. “Upon graduation from high school, students can pursue high-demand degrees at LSUA that lead to successful careers and good-paying jobs in aviation, nursing, nursing home administration, education, computer science, law enforcement, wildlife management, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-veterinary medicine, accounting, ag business, communications, chemistry, cyber security, among others. LSUA is Within Reach - Without Limits!”
Heather Poole, executive vice chancellor at CLTCC, noted technical community colleges may be something of a new option for many families. “The choice to go to college is more than a decision, it is a process,” Poole said. “Many are taking the time to further understand that process, which is why events like 'Rock Your Future College Ready Expo' are important to families to help identify a clear path to post-secondary education. This is just one reason why it is important for parents and students to learn about these options, which can be achieved from a few months to two years to earn certificates, diplomas, and degrees.”
LCU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cheryl D. Clark noted, “Louisiana Christian University is excited to be part of ‘Rock Your Future’ to provide students and families with important information to help navigate a successful pathway to higher education. Oftentimes, especially for first-generation college students, the application process and even the terminology can be daunting and confusing, so LCU wants to breakdown the process into an easy step-by-step process that will provide a smooth transition from high school to the college.
“We plan to showcase all that LCU offers to help students be successful, such as our 4-week Summer Bridge Program that provides courses in English, Math, and Study Skills to help bridge the gap for a student who may need a stronger foundation for college readiness. In addition, students are often concerned about needing additional help for difficult subjects. LCU provides an outstanding Student Success Center that houses a Writing Center, Math Center, and tutoring in all subject areas. Moreover, students often struggle with declaring a major and may not understand what opportunities are available with a particular major. LCU’s Center for Calling and Career offers free career assessment that examines a students’ values, interests, and activities to match career options,” she said.