The question for a majority of high school students is what happens after graduation. The answer can vary from student to student. Some choose to continue their education at a four year college or university, many select to attend junior college and some head directly into the workforce or enlist in the military.
There are many options for students to consider and to help them make a plan for the future, Coal City High School’s Student Services Department organized a Post High School Fair. The mid-day event provided high school students—grades 9-12—with an opportunity to meet more than 20 college representatives, as well as officials with trade organizations and the U.S. military.
The event allowed students to explore the various colleges and speak to representatives on a host of topics from admission requirements and application deadlines to tuition costs and scholarships. The students were also able to learn more about areas of study and campus life.
Military representatives put some of the students to the test with physical fitness activities and the Grundy County Economic Development Council [GEDC] spoke to students about the various summer internships available to local high school students.
Participating in the event were—Blackburn College, Bradley University, Chicago State University, Concordia University - Chicago, Eureka College, Governors State University, Millikin University, North Central College, Olivet Nazarene University, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, St. Ambrose University, St. Francis University, University of Illinois - Champaign, University of Illinois - Springfield, University of South Alabama, Valparaiso University, Western Illinois University, WyoTech and Joliet Junior College with its Business, Culinary Arts, Electronics and Nursing programs represented.
Representing the Trades were IBEW, Cement Masons and Iron Workers
Military branches taking part were the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Additionally, representatives from the Grundy Economic Development Council, Grundy County Workforce Board and Illinois Student Assistance Commission [ISAC] were also in attendance to meet with students.