Collaborative starts early for College Preparation Day

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WORTHINGTON — It has only been two weeks since the new school year rolled in, but the Nobles County Integration Collaborative (NCIC) is already gearing up for College Preparation Sunday.

“In the fall, you need to know, right now, what you need to prepare yourself (after) you graduate,” said youth initiatives coordinator Lakeyta Potter.

College Preparation is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at West Learning Center.

Specially designed for high school seniors and their parents, the program will provide valuable information ranging from a monthly college preparation timeline and financial aid to college transition strategies.

Potter said that high school seniors should be thinking about taking the ACTs around this time of the year instead of waiting. With test scores on hand, she said students can ease their applications for financial aid.

“I see a lot of kids wait around during their senior year when they could have probably applied for a lot of scholarships in the fall,” Potter said. “There’s a lot of free money out there.”

Along with the students’ responsibilities, parents play an equally important role.

“They’re putting money into this so they need to be aware of deadlines too,” Potter explained. “You are a team.”

To accommodate language barriers, the collaborative will be organizing an English session in Room 126 and a Spanish session in Room 124.

Her advise for seniors who are uncertain on their career field is to “still attend” (the event) and consider their options.

“There are a lot of students that go to college who are undecided,” she said. “But at least have a plan — if you want to go to college or go to work.”

The free event does not require registration but interested students are encouraged to call the collaborative office so prior arrangements can be made. For further information, please contact Potter at (507) 376-3300.

The next College Preparation event is set for Jan. 8 for all high school students.

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