DMPS High Schools Participate in College Application Week
High schools in Des Moines are participating in College Application Week, a program being piloted in the state by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Public Television, Iowa Regent Universities, Iowa Independent Colleges and Universities, Iowa Community Colleges, Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling, Iowa School Counselor Association, and the Iowa College Access Network.
As part of Iowa’s college access initiative, every DMPS high school is working with its seniors to complete and submit at least one college application during events being held at the schools.
The goal of the program is to get more students applying to Iowa colleges early in their senior year. During this event, students may apply to any of Iowa’s 15 community colleges, 3 public universities, and the more than 30 independent colleges and universities in which they are interested.
Lincoln High School is kicking off College Application Week with a range of events for students and parents on Monday, October 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. There will be several sessions at Lincoln High, including a College Fair, with representatives from more than 40 colleges and other post-secondary opportunities; a review of college entrance requirements; how to find the right college; advice about scholarships and financial aid; and tips on the ACT college entrance exam. Learn more about events at Lincoln High at http://lincoln.dmschools.org.
“This is a great opportunity for both students and parents to be better prepared for educational opportunities after high school,” said Lincoln principal Paul Williamson. “As Lincoln is becoming a leader in providing great STEM educational opportunities, this event will provide help to our students in both continuing their education and then succeeding in their careers.”
East, Hoover, North, Roosevelt and Scavo high schools are also doing several activities to help students learn more about college entrance requirements and the application process. Examples include raising visibility in the school, setting aside time to complete college applications, and hosting visits by college representatives.
“College Application Week can open the door for students by encouraging them to take a significant step toward college,” stated Karen Misjak, executive director of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, the state agency sponsoring the program. “As educational attainment increases, income also increases and the percent of Iowa’s population living in poverty decreases. With nearly two-thirds of Iowa’s fastest growing occupations requiring training or education beyond high school, Des Moines’ high schools are helping to prepare their students for sustainable future careers in the state.”
More information about College Application Week is available at www.IowaCollegeAid.gov or by contacting the Iowa College Student Aid Commission at 877-272-4456.
