A few years ago, Broadcasting teacher Miss Marnie Hade began assisting students and their families with the search for college information that had been confusing for seniors. She has linked up with the College and Career Access Center (CCAC) and has been helping students for over five years. Hade, counselor Mrs. Karyn Blume, and the CCAC thought of the idea to make a College Information Night.

“We used to get a lot of kids from Northwest coming to the CCAC,” said Hade. “We had so many that we asked ourselves, ‘why don’t we just have our own times over here?’ We had the perfect space, and resources, so why not?”

College Information Nights include presentations on different subjects and open labs for students to work independently. These are open for seniors to be able to learn about and work on college and scholarship applications, FAFSA, and resumes.

“They [College Information Nights] helped me realize how many local Jackson scholarships there are that nobody has heard of,” said senior Glenn Miller. “It gave me a better opportunity to apply for them.”

This opportunity for students is held once a month, typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Families meet in Hade’s room, Room 106, for the information nights.  College Information Nights are useful for seniors until May, and then Hade transitions to this year’s juniors.

Students should bring their parents, as well as personal information, depending on what they are planning to work on. Some people who will be there to help juniors and seniors are Data Specialist Amanda Norris, Career Advisor Katie England, and College Advisor Sara Natoli.

“In my opinion I think kids really need to get a better grasp on how they are going to afford college,” said CCAC representative Sara Natoli. “The best resource to help is scholarships because they are free, and all you have to do is apply. The worst thing they could do is say no.”

If juniors or seniors cannot make it, they can always go to the CCAC, which is located in the Jackson Crossing mall. They are open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The CCAC can help with any college, military, and job needs for free.