West Boca High Senior Plans College Fair for Local Students

By Staff Reports

Representative for up to 50 colleges and universities and technical schools will be in town to meet with high schoolers and their parents at a college fair next week.

The free event will be 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, October 24, at Village Academy, 400 SW. 12th Ave., Delray Beach.

College fair coordinator Kamryn Mills said the event is for high schoolers and their parents who are interested in a wide variety of post-graduation options, whether a fouryear college, community college, technical school or the armed forces.

“A four-year school is not for every student, and it should not be, so we are offering as broad an experience as possible,” said Mills, a graduating senior at West Boca Raton Community High School.

The college fair is an offshoot of a larger fair, sponsored by the school district, which will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Wednesday, October 23.

“There are many students in the south end of the county who cannot attend the college fair at the Fairgrounds for various reasons, including transportation or work schedule conflicts,” Mills said. “By holding this down here we are giving them another opportunity to meet with these representatives and get first-hand information about the college application process and financial aid.”

Students who attend Wednesday’s fair may also attend she added. The fair is Mills’ senior year project for KOP Mentoring Network, of which she serves as president. Each year, seniors and juniors in the mentoring program are required to do a service project as part of the requirements for successful completion.

“When a student completes KOP’s curriculum, you can bet your last dollar they will be prepared for life after high school because we make sure they have the tools necessary to survive in this global environment,” said Aida Smith, president of KOP Mentoring Network’s Parents Advisory Committee and one of Mills’ mentors. While the college fair is targeting families of juniors and seniors, Mills said those of sophomores should attend too because the information can be helpful in the years ahead. “Besides, we think the earlier they start preparing for college the more prepared they will be when their time comes,” she said.

To get the most from the event, Mills recommends families make a plan, including which workshops they should attend and which campus tables to visit. She also said looking at schools’ websites in advance is wise, so attendees can find some answers and formulate questions. “Do your homework before coming,” Mills said.

“Make sure you check out their website to see if they offer the major you want or the sports or activities you are looking for.” There will be breakout sessions for College Readiness and several test prep, tutoring, financial and college planning businesses will also have representatives present to speak with families about their services.

Students are encouraged to bring several copies of their current transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores, if available. Registration for the fair is free and can be completed online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/college-fair-october-24th-2019-registration74336900671?aff=ebdssbdestsearch. For more information, call 561-859-8849 or 561-665-0151.