The Warren-Forest Higher Education Council School-to-Work Program sponsored a college fair Wednesday at the Warren County School District central office in Russell. Students from Warren Area High School and Tidioute Community Charter School had the first shift, Youngsville and Sheffield high schools came next, and Eisenhower High School wrapped things up. The annual event brings juniors and seniors together with recruiters, admission counselors, and others.

“We have 41 colleges, technical schools, and recruiters here today,” School-to-Work Coordinator Jenny Burroughs said.

There were local schools from Warren, Erie, and McKean counties, and regional options as far away as Pittsburgh, Williamsport, Buffalo, and Ohio. Eisenhower High School Guidance Counselor Andrew Morrison encouraged students to think about what they want to do in the future and have an idea of what schools connect well with that, but to also keep their options open.

“Try to talk to as many as you can,” he told them. “Keep an open mind.”

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry SFC Jim Borowsky of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard speaks Wednesday morning with Eisenhower High School students (from left) Wyatt Lookenhouse, Aaden Nichols, and Johnny Palmieri at the Warren-Forest Higher Education Council College Fair at the Warren County School District central office.

Katherine Moyer from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford said students who prepared a little were having a better experience at the fair.

“They’ve been very talkative when they know their major,” Moyer said.

UPB is one of the closest campuses for Warren County students.

“It’s a nice commute for any prospective students,” she said.

She suggested that high school juniors “get an idea of what’s out there – just dip their toe in,” Moyer said. But, for seniors, “it’s prime time to fill out applications.”

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Zach Guth of Mercyhurst University speaks Wednesday morning with Eisenhower High School students (from left) Payton Frank, Katie Bunk, Julia Gesing, Mikenzie Miller, Sydney Weissinger, and Winnie Wolf at the Warren-Forest Higher Education Council College Fair at the Warren County School District central office.

UPB offers rolling admissions – “As soon as we get an application and transcripts, we can get them an answer within a couple weeks,” Moyer said. Having an acceptance can take some pressure off of students

“It eases that stress,” Moyer said.

Doug Nelson of Rosedale Technical College of Pittsburgh said the event is all about helping students.

“I’m here for one purpose… to help students with their career choices,” he said. “I always enjoy talking with Northwest Pennsylvania kids.”

On Wednesday, those students were “responsive and asking questions,” Nelson said. “I’m making a lot of connections. It’s been a great fair.”

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Eisenhower High School student Wyatt Lookenhouse speaks Wednesday morning with Katherine Moyer of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford at the Warren-Forest Higher Education Council College Fair at the Warren County School District central office.

“We’re trying to get as many kids involved and open to college as possible,” Zach Guth of Mercyhurst University said. “At Mercyhurst, we’re trying to provide students with as much information as possible to make an informed decision.”

He said families have been hesitant over the past two years to send their children away from home.

“We’re getting a lot of traction,” he said. Mercyhurst has an open house starting at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The Pennsylvania Army National Guard was greeting students with an alternative.

“It gives us an opportunity to get a little face time with the students of Warren County and explain what the National Guard is about and the benefits to it,” SFC Jim Borowsky said. “It gives them another option. We can help pay for the education while they get real-world experience.”

Burroughs expanded the invitation list beyond colleges, universities, technical schools, and military.

“There is a shortage of EMS professionals,” Karen Jakiel of EmergyCare said. “We have an EMS training institute. We offer EMT, AEMT, and paramedic classes.”

The EMT course takes about four months to complete. AEMT adds three months to that. Paramedic classes take a little over a year and AEMT to paramedic is a little short of that.

“If they’re interested in health care careers, being an EMT is a good stepping stone and a way to work in the field while they’re going to school,” Jakiel said. “We’ve talked to a few students that are definitely interested.”

Amy Sloan of PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) welcomed students and encouraged seniors to attend financial aid night – Wednesday evening – and to get their applications in by Thanksgiving.

To receive dollars, “all seniors in high school and students in college have to apply,” Sloan said.

The number of applicants has been down over the past two years. As PHEAA and FAFSA include grant and scholarship dollars that don’t have to be repaid, she encouraged all students to apply and not miss the deadline. “Give yourselves a deadline of Thanksgiving,” Sloan said.

An initiative to encourage more students to apply is working, she said.

Hi-Ed is hosting a FAFSA (federal financial aid) Completion Program at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at its suite at the Warren State Hospital.

The event is recommended for all seniors and their parents, Burroughs said. Those who bring the required information and have created and verified FSAID accounts will be able to walk out of the event having completed all requirements and applications.