Residents Invited to State Rep. Parker's College Fair

The following is a press release from State Rep. Cherelle Parker's Office.

State Rep. Cherelle L. Parker, D-Phila., is hosting a post-secondary education information fair on Oct. 26 for Philadelphians interested in pursuing higher education in a traditional institution, a vocational training program or an apprenticeship program.    

The 2013 College, Vocational, & Labor Information Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church’s Family Life Center, 2800 W. Cheltenham Ave., 19150. More than 50 accreditedcolleges, universities, labor union apprenticeship programs and vocational schools will be on hand for the event, as well as agencies and organizations that can assist students with educational funding opportunities.

Additionally, the Fair will feature a financial aid workshop hosted by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) that will advise students on the process for applying for financial aid, the importance of using various avenues to fund their education and how to read their financial aid award letter. A special workshop will highlight the student experience received when attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Registration for the workshops is not required.

Experts in the career fields of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, will also be on hand to discuss opportunities for students. Graduating seniors also will have the opportunity to learn how to win a free laptop or tablet.

"Our annual Fair is an opportunity for local residents of all ages to gain access to the many educational avenues at their disposal," Parker said. "Three years ago we expanded our original college fair to encompass vocational training programs and apprenticeship programs because not all students are able to attend traditional institutions. These additional avenues lead to family sustaining employment and we must ensure that our children are aware and have access to career training programs.  We are inviting all high school students, not just juniors and seniors because I believe it is never too early to start planning for your future. We are inviting young adults and those transitioning careers who may be interested in returning to college or in the programs offered by the city’s dozen or so unions.

"This event brings colleges and universities from Philadelphia and beyond, as well as organizations and agencies that offer financial aid options, to one location. I encourage all Philadelphia residents interested in pursuing some degree of post-secondary education to attend this worthwhile and important event," she said.

A partial list of the colleges and universities that are expected to participate includes Alabama State University, Arcadia University, Central State University, Community College of Philadelphia, Elizabeth City State University, Florida A & M, Hampton University, La Salle University, North Carolina A & T, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Princeton University, Shaw University, Temple University, and Villanova University.

Also expected to take part are representatives of the vocational education and union apprenticeship programs with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #98, International Union of Operating Engineers Local #542, Laborers’ District Council Local #332, Philadelphia Automotive Training Center, Philadelphia Building Trade Council and Transport Worker Union of Philadelphia Local #234.

"The massive cuts to public education have created a void that requires all of us to step up and step in to teach our children of all the various post-secondary education options available to them," Parker said.

The Fair is co-sponsored by Future Minds, Inc., a nonprofit organization offering youth academic support, equipping students with leadership skills, teaching the importance of civic engagement. For more information about the college fair, contact Parker's office at 215-242-7300.