Pickaway-Ross Adult Education was among dozens of post-secondary institutions visiting with high school juniors and seniors last week at the Pickaway County College & Career Night.
Britany Greenwalt and Amy Poorman spoke with many students — including many from Pickaway-Ross’ high school programs — about options available through Adult Education.
Amy estimated that she and Britany spoke with as many as 75 to 100 people with many visitors interested in Adult Education’s health care, public safety and trade programs.
“The trades are a hot item right now,” Amy said, “and a lot of parents were encouraging their child to try an Adult Education program as a first option.”
Britany said the event was also an opportunity for current Pickaway-Ross high school students.
“We had a lot more engagement from magnet and main campus students wanting to learn how Adult Education programs could advance them in their pathway,” Britany said, such as an Allied Health or Health Science student taking Adult Education’s Practical Nursing program and then continuing into the new PN-to-RN Diploma program.
Pickaway County College & Career Night is sponsored by Pickaway WORKS in cooperation with the county’s four school districts and the career center. The event started in 2008 and is held each fall.
Christy Mills, executive director of Pickaway WORKS, said the turnout this year was excellent, with about 200 students and their families attending.
Christy said there were 93 "vendors" — 67 education options and 26 employers — in the high school gymnasium. Post-secondary institutions were represented from throughout the state as well as Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Local employers promoted current job opportunities and future career paths available in the region. Military branch representatives also attended.
“We are so happy to be back in person and to have an increase in participation all around over last year — number of schools, employers, students and volunteers,” she said.
Also offered was a financial aid presentation for students and families to learn about the FAFSA process.
Christy said planning starts in March for the event, which is open to all ages.
"Kids are never too young to start learning about careers,” she said, “and also any adults interested in changing careers or going back to school.”