Photo by Brady Stamps

Maricopa High School hosted a comprehensive college and career day for all 12th grade students Sept. 18. The day began with a College and Career fair.

Photo by Brady Stamps

More than 35 representatives from colleges, universities, trade schools, the armed forces, and local business hosted tables with information and takeaways for the students. Students then progressed into a rotation of events including: College Applications, FAFSA and financial aid support, interview tips and basic employability skills, as well as specialty workshops from various career presenters ranging from Insurance and City Government to careers in automotive technology and agriculture.

The following colleges and universities supported students with Application Day: Arizona State University, Northern University, University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, Central Arizona College, Yavapai College, Prescott College, Universal Technical Institute, and New Mexico State University.

Community representatives included: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and Jamie Westmiller, Ahwatukee Realty with Shylo Carr, Courtny Tyler with State Farm, Tena Dugan and Napa Auto Parts, City of Maricopa, Maricopa Police Department, Maricopa Fire Department, Sandra Zires with CAC and the SUNDT trades program, Veronika Mosely with CAC Health programs, and Carrie Vargas with Miss City of Maricopa and Miss Arizona Scholarship Program.

The military was represented by recruiters from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard, and U.S. Air Guard. Additional guests included Eastern Arizona College, University of Advancing Technology, Eastern and Western New Mexico Universities, Southwest University of Visual Arts, Ottawa University, the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, Benedictine University and Commercial Divers, Inc.

Students appreciated the opportunity to spend an entire day immersed in these highly relevant topics. Senior Anthony Morris appreciated the event: “I learned how to write a college [admissions] essay and a lot about FAFSA.” Senior Latayvia Ross would like to see more events including a job fair and “more days like this.”