Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton Community College will help area high school juniors plan for their futures at Junior Day, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Those interested can sign up at juniorday.bartonccc.edu through Feb. 1.
The event will feature info sessions with admissions, campus tours, the opportunity to explore multiple majors and several scholarship drawings. Most importantly, students and parents can learn the countless benefits of attending Barton prior to attending a four-year college or, if they choose a career path, before entering the workforce.
The Admissions Department will give away five scholarships: one $1000 scholarship and four $500 scholarships.
Director of Admissions Tana Cooper encourages all juniors in the area to attend, even if they intend to go straight to a four-year school. Students will get a chance to choose between a variety of majors to learn about including Agriculture, Agriculture Mechanics (Top Tech), Art, Athletic Training, Business, Criminal Justice, CDL, EMS, General Studies, Medical, Music, Natural Gas, Nursing, Psychology, Scales Technician, STEM, Theatre, Carpentry, Plumbing and Welding.
“Regardless of your plans, this is a great opportunity to explore what courses and career paths you might want to pursue,” she said. “It is a great idea to at least come and visit.”
Cooper said attending Barton can help students get ahead both academically and financially, by saving time and money compared to what it would take to attend a four-year university right after high school.
“Barton offers many of the same classes as four-year schools, but at about half the cost, and some of Barton’s career and technical programs take only a year to complete and can lead to a rewarding career,” she said. “Some students may already think they are going elsewhere, but it never hurts to come and visit. It’s a fun and free day.”
For more information, contact Admissions Director Tana Cooper at (620) 792-9241 or [email protected].