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By Kate Krieger Watkins, MCP Contributing Writer
LUDINGTON — Ludington Area School District will host its Bound to Soar career and college expo Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Ludington High School.
The event will be open to the public from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. It is the first time the district has offered the expo after school hours to allow families and community members to attend.
More than 25 representatives from colleges, universities and labor unions are expected to participate.
“We will have over 25 representatives from colleges, universities, and unions at the LHS gym to talk about different options for after graduation,” Post-Graduate Advisor Trista Budzynski said.
Ludington High School students will attend the expo during the school day Wednesday. Representatives will remain afterward for the public session.
Budzynski said the expanded format is intended to increase awareness of career opportunities and help students and families understand the educational and training paths required for various professions.
She said the expo also is intended to help students develop plans for life after high school while creating connections with colleges, training programs and other organizations that can assist them.
Attendees will be able to speak directly with admissions representatives about college programs, career preparation and the steps involved in applying for college or employment.
Representatives also will be available to discuss the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, and financial assistance available for post-secondary education.
“FAFSA certified specialists will be on site if there are questions, but this event is more informational,” Budzynski said.
The district plans to host additional events this fall focusing on completing FAFSA forms along with college and scholarship applications.
Representatives from the Mason County College Access Network and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential, or MiLEAP, also are expected to attend. Budzynski said MiLEAP can connect adults with programs that may provide financial assistance for college.
The expo is not limited to high school students. Budzynski encouraged adults considering additional education or a career change to attend.
“There are a lot of programs and opportunities that are career-focused, such as the surveying or marine technology at Northwestern Michigan College, all the way to the pharmacy programs at Ferris State University,” she said.
“These are programs that lead to real career opportunities in our area. You imagine the career and we will probably have a person here who can help get you there.”
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