Willimantic, Conn. – On May 20, 21 and 22, more than 1,400 students in grades five through 12 gathered in the Betty R. Tipton Room in the Student Center at Eastern Connecticut State University to participate in “College Knowledge Days.” The students came from schools in Andover, Bloomfield, Colchester, Enfield, Farmington, Franklin, Hartford, Norwalk, Plainville, Stafford, Sterling, Thompson, Torrington, Waterford, West Hartford and Windsor.
Eastern President Elsa Nunez greeted the students, and Jeffrey Buskey, assistant director of admissions, explained the purpose of College Knowledge Days. The visiting students participated in several lectures and group activities facilitated by Eastern staff. The presentation, “Preparing for the Future,” instructed students on how to research and choose the college that is right for them. The presentation, “Financing My Future,” focused on paying for a postsecondary education. Group discussions analyzed payment options such as federal student aid, grants, work-study and loans. Group activities such as “When I Grow Up,” gave visiting students the opportunity to discuss what they want for a future career and the process that it takes to attain that career.
“College Knowledge Days are a great opportunity for students and educators to start the conversation about postsecondary options,” said LaQuana Price, Eastern’s assistant director of admissions, who coordinated the event. “The program allows students to start planning early for their future.”