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Linden Students Explore Futures at College & Career Night

Staff Report / Lindenlocal.org

Several hundred students from Linden High School and their families attended College & Career Night at McManus Middle School on Thursday, October 10. This event featured over 50 vendors, providing students with a variety of post-graduation options.

Event coordinator Laura Golebiewski stated that the two-hour fair offered diverse pathways, including colleges, universities, trade schools, and careers in public service such as the armed forces and local police and fire departments. She emphasized the goal of helping students plan their futures, regardless of whether they pursue higher education, technical training, or directly enter the workforce.

The event was moved to McManus Middle School due to unexpected repairs at Linden High School's gym. By 6 p.m., families had filled the gym, where recruiters presented brochures and promotional materials highlighting their institutions' benefits.

Participating institutions included notable New Jersey universities such as Kean University, Montclair State University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology, which showcased programs in education, business, STEM, and health sciences. Private universities like Caldwell University and Rider University offered personalized education options, while community colleges, including Middlesex College and Union College, provided affordable two-year degrees and certification programs.

Vocational interests were addressed by representatives from trade schools, including Lincoln Tech and Universal Technical Institute, focusing on hands-on training opportunities. Military recruitment was represented by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard Academy, National Guard, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Linden Police and Fire Departments.

New technology was used this year to facilitate interactions between students and vendors, allowing attendees to pre-register and communicate via QR codes. A financial aid presentation by Nick Capodice from HESAA covered important topics such as FAFSA applications and federal aid opportunities, including the maximum Pell Grant of $7,395 for eligible students.

Despite the venue change, Golebiewski noted a strong turnout and enthusiasm from families eager to support students in planning their futures.

Source: Linden Public Schools

Source Type: School

Source Location: Linden

Oct 11, 2024 at 2:35 PM

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