College Application Blitz Week is underway at Holmes High School through November 9 and the district is looking for volunteers from the community to assist the students in filling out their college applications. Students will be making appointments with their counselors for one hour blocks at 9:00AM, 10:00AM, 1:00PM, and 2:00PM. If you, your college students, mentors, alumni, or colleagues would like to volunteer for one or more of the hour-long shifts and help the Holmes seniors, email Tom Haggard of Covington Partners at tom.haggard@covington.kyschools.us. If you have not previously volunteered in Covington Independent Public Schools this year, the district will need to run a background check.
The event at Holmes High School coincides with the announcement from Governor Steve Beshear that November is “College Application Month”. From the Governor’s office:
Governor Steve Beshear today joined lawmakers and education officials to proclaim November as “College Application Month in Kentucky.”
“All seniors in Kentucky should think about furthering their education,” Gov. Beshear said. “In today’s competitive job environment, all students need to go beyond high school to advance their skills. More education and training gives Kentuckians greater job options and more job security.”
Gov. Beshear said higher education does not necessarily mean a four-year college degree. It can include two-year degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas from the state’s community and technical colleges, all of which can lead to higher earnings.
College Application Month is sponsored by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). KHEAA is the state agency that administers grants, Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), work-study and savings programs.
“Working with a host of secondary, postsecondary and college access partners, KHEAA’s College Application Month helps students navigate the college application process, ensuring that all participating seniors receive hands-on assistance as they take the first big step towards continuing their education,” said Robin Morley, interim executive director of KHEAA.
“As a former director of admissions, I know that it is vital that we encourage students to apply to college early,” said Rep. Carl Rollins, of Midway. “This emphasis on completing the application process is important to our Commonwealth if we want to move Kentucky forward.”
“My high school and college might have helped me get where I am, but College Application Month gave me the boost I needed to fill out those applications and end up where I am today,” said Garrett Seay, a freshman at the University of Louisville.
Seay’s high school, Union County High in Morganfield, was one of the 13 pilot schools for the first College Application Week.
The 2012 official sites that will hold a dedicated College Application Week Nov. 26-30 are Anderson County High School, Breckinridge County High School, Christian County High School, Clay County High School, Henry County High School, Hickman County High School, Lawrence County High School, Lee County High School, Monroe County High School, Paris High School, Seneca High School, Valley Traditional High School and West Carter High School.
Students will receive hands-on assistance from KHEAA outreach staff and school and community volunteers in completing online applications. An Online Toolkit is also available at www.kheaa.com for any school interested in hosting its own event.
To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visitwww.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 7372.
PHOTO: Holmes High School/RCN file
