In light of providing career choices for students with unconventional college plans, SHS hosted a virtual technical college fair on November 9-10. This event was sponsored by the PTSA and allowed students of all ages, specifically those who do not favor attending traditional colleges, to learn about and explore trade and technological schools. The primary objective of the fair is not only to provide possible college options, but also to assist in the college application and preparation process. This year’s online situation has provided students with access to a google drive folder containing loads of significant information, ranging from the application essay to financial aid.

“From my experience last year, I got to figure out which colleges offer what classes or majors I want to take,” recounts IB sophomore Sophie Burns.

Burns continues by stating, “They also help you figure out how to apply and how colleges look for students, including what each college looks for. You can also get intel into what their prices look like.”

With the assistance of parents and families, this year’s college fair occurred successfully online due to situational circumstances. The original technological fair was a huge success and this later one was as well, if not more. With the visit of more than 200 parents earlier this year, the accessibility of the online fair only increased the student and parent turnout. The layout of the entire fair was precisely determined beforehand. During each time frame mentioned in the schedule of the website, a certain participating college would answer questions after a short presentation or summary of their college. Students took this opportunity to understand contrasting aspects of colleges to create a list of interested colleges for future reference. If unable to fully understand anything or need assistance, students were able to contact PTSA members. College contacts were also available to those interested in sending applications or wanting specific information.

During the fair that occurred earlier this year on February 5, 2020, educational and financial opportunities were also awarded to certain students, including a PTSA scholarship award.

This PTSA award is a testament to the student’s skills and accomplishments. Funding important college funds, this award was sought after heavily. In addition to the grant, the fair provided important information on official scholarships such as Florida Bright Futures, Micro scholarships, National scholarships, and other local scholarships provided by Seminole County Public Schools and SHS.

All in all, this event was a huge success. Preparing for college is a tremendous, rigorous feat. The ability to do so successfully is incredibly important and this event has provided students of SHS with a golden egg. 

“The college fair has the effect of a spray bottle on a foggy mirror. Clearing our view, it helps us determine what colleges we want to attend, and gives us a better idea on what we actually might want to do,” compares Healthy Academy sophomore Ianilis Arocho.

Thanks to our PTSA sponsors, SHS was given a wonderful opportunity to assist numerous students in the rigorous, solemn tasks of college searching and application drafting. The resources, contacts, and information learned from this event will help students narrow down their college choice. Hopefully, additional resources or similar events will be offered in the future.

Participating Colleges: Orange Technical College, Osceola Technical College, Florida Technical College, Paul Mitchell School, Universal Technical Institute, Advent Health University, Aveda Institutes, Herzing University, Wind Academy, Cambridge Institute of Allied Health & Technology

For more information, visit the shared google drive folder and website below:

College & Career Center Knowledge Base: http://bit.ly/shscollegecenter

https://sites.google.com/myscps.us/technicalcollegefair2020/home?authuser=0

Please direct further questions to:

 Mrs. Ami Nibhanupudy: yosemiteami@gmail.com 

 Mrs. Huong Bui: huongbui1999@gmail.com