Fairbanks sixth-graders attend college

Submitted by Tamara Hornbuckle
Phone: (907) 474-6628
04/06/04

Approximately 150 sixth-graders from three Fairbanks elementary schools head off to college Thursday, April 22. I’m Going to College Day at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is sponsored by the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA) to introduce children from diverse backgrounds to preparation and financial aid programs that can help them attend college.

In recent weeks, young participants from Barnette, Denali and Hunter elementary schools have studied career choices, explored college options and learned about financial aid. Their hard work earns them the chance to become UAF students for a day. They will arrive on campus at 9:15 a.m. April 22 for classes in music, biology, journalism, broadcasting, chemistry, engineering, psychology, math, finance and anthropology.

"College graduates have higher average incomes and more career options than their peers who don’t pursue higher education," said Tamara Hornbuckle, director of UAF’s Office of Financial Aid. "I’m Going to College educates children about the benefits of a college degree and builds an understanding of the choices available for education and financial aid."

Early planning for college increases the options available when it comes time for students to apply for admission. The choice of high school courses and grades count when applying for college admission, but a college education builds on knowledge and skills acquired much earlier. Studies have shown that the years from 10 to 14 are a crucial turning point in a child’s development. These are the years when children begin developing behavior patterns in education that can have lifelong consequences.

"Every child deserves the chance to go to college," said Tony Bright, president and chief executive officer of NELA. "By sponsoring this program, we help children and their parents understand that financial aid programs can make college affordable. The sooner families begin planning and preparing, the better chance they have of turning their dreams into reality."

UAF’s 10,487 students come from Alaska, every other state and 38 foreign countries. About half graduated from high school in Alaska and nearly 270 are international students. Undergraduate students make up 90 percent of the total student body. UAF has many non-traditional students. Some are returning to college after years of working or raising a family while others work full time while attending school or are pursuing a second associate or bachelor’s degree.

Since 1978, NELA has helped nearly 800,000 students attend college. The nonprofit corporation assists students and parents in planning for college and understanding financial aid by providing information, training and outreach activities. In October 2003, NELA opened the Center for Student Success , which provides free information, tools, counseling and expertise to build better futures through higher education.

Contact: Tamara Hornbuckle, at (907) 474-6628 or Deanna Dieringer at (907) 474-6629, UAF Financial Aid Office, or send email to financialaid@uaf.edu. More information about NELA is available at www.nela.net.