Area sixth graders explore college options

Submitted by Angela Jones
Phone: 474-7647
04/13/05

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

In recent weeks, young participants from Anne Wien, Denali and Arctic Light 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 April 22 at 9:15 a.m. for classes in Spanish, French, Yupik, Japanese, theater, computer science and education.

"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. "This event 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.

UAF’s 9,683 students come from Alaska, every other state and 38 foreign countries. Undergraduate students make up 88 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 non-profit corporation assists students and parents in planning for college and understanding financial aid by providing information, training and outreach activities.

CONTACT: Jackie Alleyne-McCants, at (907) 474-6627 or Angela Jones at (907) 474-7647, UAF Financial Aid Office, or send e-mail to financialaid@uaf.edu . More information about NELA is available at www.nela.net.