Partnership for the future

In a simpler time, the task of a high school guidance office was to help kids focus on their post-graduation future, considering careers and colleges.
These days, much of that office’s time is consumed by guiding students through social and personal crises, helping them cope with the stresses and complications of 21st century life.
That’s why the partnership that has developed between Jay County High School and John Jay Center for Learning is such welcome news.
Working with JCHS, the John Jay Center has tasked itself with helping high school students figure out career and educational paths after graduation.
On Wednesday, the first Career-College-Connect day is scheduled.
The John Jay Center has identified about 75 local young professionals who will be on hand that morning for an event at the JCHS auxiliary gym. It will be a new, younger twist on the traditional “career day” of decades past.
Seniors have already taken a personality test aimed at helping them identify what sorts of careers might be a good fit. But instead of hearing a lecture from some mid-career person, they’ll have the opportunity to talk one-on-one and network with Jay County residents — many of them not that far removed from high school themselves.
Then from 4 to 8 p.m. at the John Jay Center, there will be an event that old timers would find reminiscent of “college night.”
But again, there will be a twist.
While representatives of about 16 colleges, universities, and technical schools will be on hand, there will also be a seminar for parents and students on how to navigate the often challenging straits of the federal financial aid forms, known as FAFSA.
A number of local financial institutions and investment firms will be on hand to talk about financing higher education. And there will be representatives from The Portland Foundation providing information on local scholarships and the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
Participating seniors will receive a flash drive with the foundation scholarship application already on it, ready to fill out.
The evening event isn’t limited to this year’s seniors. Any student or parent interested in learning more about the options available can attend.
It sounds like a great event.
And it’s an excellent example of what can happen when strong institutions like JCHS and the John Jay Center work together. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]