College fair brings higher education to local students

Juniors and seniors from high schools across Sonoma County are
invited to attend the fall college fair this month sponsored by the
Sonoma County Office of Education and Windsor Unified School
District.
Representatives from over 50 colleges, trade schools and other
organizations will set up their booths at Windsor High School on
September 13 for the Sonoma County College & Career-Ready
Fair.
“This is the only college fair held in the fall and I think it
is the best time because school is just beginning and students can
get early applications for college and the reality of being a
senior is upon many of them,” said WHS Vice President Chris
Vetrano.
Organizers said that giving the students an opportunity to meet
representatives face-to-face helps them understand all of the
options that are available to them and allows them to interact and
ask questions.
“I think they get a chance to look at some more options than
what they usually think of,” Vetrano said of students usually
showing interest in some of the better-known schools. “A school
they have never heard of may end up being a perfect fit for
them.”
Representatives from many of the big California schools
including UC Davis, UC San Diego and UC Santa Cruz will be passing
out materials along with out-of-state colleges, trade schools,
military services and specialized training programs.
Students interested in the entertainment industry can visit the
Ex’pression Arts College booth while students interested in
studying in the fashion industry can speak with representatives
from The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
Organizers say there will be many different options to look at.
“I have had parents come back and tell me that their student
went to a college they found at the college fair and that they are
now doing what they want to do,” said Vetrano.
Attending students are encouraged to have a list of questions
ready and bring a copy of their transcripts. Some colleges will be
able to tell students if they meet the requirements for admissions
the night of the fair and others will be able to provide students
with tips on what they still need for acceptance.
“One student was offered a scholarship last year on the spot by
bringing his transcripts in for the college to look at,” Vetrano
said.
Parents are invited to accompany students at the fair and
organizers recommend that families discuss what type of school the
student may be interested in and what subject areas they may want
to study prior to attending the event.
“This fair started four years ago when one of the
representatives (of a college) suggested it to Dr. Steve Herrington
and he thought it was a good idea,” said Vetrano. “And it has been
great for students and it is something that we have always done for
the whole community.”
The Sonoma County College Career-Ready Fair will be held on
Tuesday, September 13 from 6-8 p.m. at Windsor High School, 8695
Windsor Road. The event is well attended each year and participants
are asked to arrive early to secure a parking spot. For more
information or questions contact cv******@wu**.org.