Perry High School hosted the annual College Application Week Oct. 7-11, giving students a chance to to explore future educational paths and begin the college application process.
Throughout the week, school counselors coordinated a series of events designed to help students make informed decisions about their post-secondary education. The highlight of the week was Thursday, Oct. 10, when representatives from Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) were on hand to assist students as they applied to colleges of their choice.
Students received one-on-one support from university and community college representatives during the event, and they also gained insights into financial aid options, scholarship opportunities, apprenticeships and the importance of meeting application deadlines.
Many students will continue to do college visits and applications throughout the fall semester in anticipation of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) application opening on Dec 1, 2024.
“We want every student to understand that continuing their education beyond high school opens doors to a world of opportunities,” said Future Ready Perry Coordinator Connie Saenz. “Whether it’s a four-year university, community college, or a career in the trades, the most important thing is that students are prepared for and confident with the path they choose.”
Saenz works at Perry High School every Wednesday and Friday through the school year, making herself available to students who want help completing their Federal Student Aid ID and FAFSA.
The Future Ready Perry initiatives aim to support a college-going culture in the community by increasing FAFSA completion rates, supporting students taking college courses while in high school and promoting careers in teaching, health care and the trades. By promoting these careers and supporting the students while they pursue these paths, the goal is to help develop connections between students and local industry that will lead to some students choosing to live and work in the Perry community when they graduate from college.
