TBJH Students Get a Taste of College

Alpena Community College had some major changes on friday when over 300 7th graders from Thunder Bay Junior High School walked onto campus to get a taste of their possible future.

The event was held to expose students to college while finding the best fit for them.

“They have to find the best fit for them, is it big or small, close to home or far away…does the school have their program of study is the big thing also. At ACC with over 70 programs we can get people started no doubt but certain students are already to go. If they get great opportunities through scholarships or financial aid it’s a good fit,” Director of Admissions, Mike Kollien said.

The tour allowed the middle school students to visit 6 programs that the college offers. Most of ACC’s programs focus on a 2-year degree, which allows students to get a job or transfer to a bigger university after graduating. Assistant Principal, Jean Kowalski said the college is a great asset to the community.

“We bring them here to acc because it’s something that’s close to home, and is a great asset that the Alpena area has to offer them, and I think it’s important for them to see that there are other options then going to a 4–Year University. If that’s not what they chose there are 2–year programs that can get them into the workforce and get them started on a great life,” Kowalski said.

Kowalski said it’s never too early to start asking students about their future. She said that’s why the school holds events like career day.

“We do try to stress how important it is to figure out a plan so starting out in the 7th grade, even some or our 6th graders as well we want them to know that they need to start thinking about their futures,” she added.