'Go For It' to inform future students about resources for higher education

by Caroline Basile, sports editor

 

A free seminar offering step-by-step preparations and planning for college will be held on March 27 at the Byron Martin Advanced Technology Center in Lubbock.

‘Go For It!' targets single parents, displaced homemakers, and others with barriers to attending college.

"We are in the 14th year of ‘Go For It!’ and we are certainly hoping that this year will be better than ever," said Lynn Gregory, counselor with SPC Special Services and the First Step Program."We offer this program to target individuals who may not know where to go, who to ask, and generally how to get started toward a college education."

The seminar, which will begin at 7 p.m., includes presentations by local agencies, with information about financial aid and funding for childcare, along with a chance to learn what it takes to be a successful college student.  The event is free to the public.

"We really want people to know that there are resources out there to help them pay for school," Gregory added. "There are many, many resources to assist financially, and to provide other support, but a lot of people don’t know the resources are there."

Spokespersons and representatives from LEARN, Inc., WorkSource Career Center, WorkSource Child Care Services, Catholic Family Services, the Dorothy Lomax Adult Education Center, as well as counselors from SPC’s Special Services Office and Counseling Center, will be in attendance.

"Some of the questions we want to help answer are; ‘Why should I go to college?", "Who can help me if I have trouble studying?, Where do I go for assistance with financial aid?," or even "How can I afford daycare while I’m in school?,’" Gregory explained.

After the presentations conclude, each person attending the event will have the opportunity to speak with agency representatives about their specific needs and concerns. Participants who arrive by 8 p.m. will still have time to get information and have their questions answered.

"We are here to help potential students help themselves," Gregory said. "We want to present enough information so that they can make a good decision about their futures. Also, we’ll introduce them to the resources and show them how they can make it through school. It’s all about focusing on and making your dreams happen."

The seminar, which is sponsored by Special Services at SPC’s Reese Center campus, will be in Room 101 at the Byron Martin ATC, located at 3201 Avenue Q. The event is scheduled from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

"You may come to us not knowing what to expect,” Gregory added. “But by the time you leave you should feel 80 to 100 percent better about going to school."