Norwalk high school hosts college expo

NORWALK - Nearly 50 colleges and universities are expected to take part in a college expo Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the John Glenn High School gym in Norwalk.Area students looking for options in their post-secondary educational careers are encouraged to attend. Colleges will be offering information on application processes, majors available at their respective schools, and more. There will also be workshops on the fundamentals of college admission, writing personal statements, community college programs and transfer options. "Last year, 80 percent of the District's seniors self-reported that they had planned to further their education after graduation," said Superintendent Dr. Ruth Perez. "With the College Expo, we want to see that number grow and encourage our students to think about life after they walk across that graduation stage." Norwalk High School counselor Irene Rifilato, one of the counselors organizing the expo, said she expects a large turnout. Last year's attendance exceeded the 500 expected. Now in its second year, the expo is open to the public, including students in elementary and middle school, and their parents. One workshop, aimed at the transition from middle to high school, is available for younger students. "College Expo provides students with the opportunity to meet and greet actual representatives from colleges, learn about different majors and to start believing, 'This is something I can do,'" Rifilato said. The College Expo is the culminating event of the District's month-long push to get information to students regarding higher education," Rifilato said. "Speakers have dropped by to teach students how to write personal statements, afterschool help at the College and Career Center was made available and the District printed a newsletter informing students about important deadlines, college requirements and more. "The District is pleased with what we've seen our students achieve these past few years and we want to see them excel after they move on," said Board President Ed Hengler. "One of the surest ways to do that is to show them that college doesn't have to just be a dream, but a reality. With the College Expo, we're giving them the tools to make those dreams happen."

********** Published: Oct. 17, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 27