WS Chronicle

The season has changed to spring. Spring prompts thoughts of the end of school, graduation and enrolling into college.

For Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), it’s a time to go into the community to raise funds.

The fundraising focuses on gap fund scholarships – which range from $1,000 to $1,500 – to provide high-achieving but under-resourced students with the means to complete their education.

Chancellor Elwood Robinson was at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, March 26, on the church’s WSSU Day, a day set aside to raise money for the university.

The chancellor makes a case for higher education in his op-ed piece (page A7) “Student success key to social, economic mobility.” He says according to a Pew Charitable Trusts report, there is a 31 percent chance of living in poverty if you have not obtained a college degree versus a 5 percent chance if you have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

It pays to have a higher ed degree.

But to get to WSSU, students have to start in secondary school. Several organizations in the Triad have been holding career fairs for students to help them move toward employment and higher education.

Triad Christian Center, 4321 Barrow Road, High Point, plans to host its first college fair in partnership with Guilford County Schools and Guilford Parent Academy on Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The ASCEND Career Fair, sponsored by the Educational Enrichment Committee of Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and co-sponsored by Jack and Jill of America, was held on Saturday, March 18, on the campus of Winston-Salem State University. (See https://wschronicle.com/2017/03/ascend-fair-helps-students-explore-careers-hbcus/)

These organizations understand the importance of getting students to start on the track to success early, and parents and students should take advantage of the opportunities they provide.

At the High Point event, university personnel will conduct sessions concerning topics such as scholarships and financial aid. Secondary educators will offer sessions about making it through high school, as well as the SAT/ACT college entrance exams. Organizations such as NC Works Career Center will also be present at the event.

Admissions officers from colleges and universities, such as Catawba College, Fayetteville State University, N.C. A&T State University, Livingstone College, Salem College, and Winston-Salem State University plan to be on hand to answer potential students’ questions concerning their respective admissions processes.

ASCEND (Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Development) is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s signature youth enrichment program that prepares high school students for college life or vocational careers. The program is designed to motivate, engage and assist high school students in reaching their maximum potential.

At the ASCEND career fair, the following topics were covered: Education, Law/Law Enforcement, Medicine, Higher Education, STEM and Business.

With the current federal administration, these kinds of activities take on a more important meaning. President Donald Trump has proposed deep budget cuts into things that matter a lot to people, including education.

So, as spring moves on, it’s time for parents, students and those interested in a bright future for America to invest time, effort and money into making sure students are moving toward success.