4th Annual Junior/Senior Planning Night at Laurel Ridge Community College

High school juniors and seniors across the Shenandoah Valley are invited to attend the 4th annual Junior/Senior Planning Night at the Corron Community Development Center on Laurel Ridge Community College’s Middletown Campus. This special event, which will take place on Tuesday, October 1st, from 5 to 9 p.m., offers students and their families a unique opportunity to explore post-secondary options and plan for the future.

Sponsored by Laurel Ridge Community College and the Front Royal-based nonprofit Reaching Out Now, the event will provide attendees with a wealth of information to help navigate the often overwhelming choices available after high school graduation. Students can attend a series of breakout sessions, meet college representatives, and get expert advice on financial aid, career options, and more—all while enjoying a complimentary dinner.

Helping Students Plan Their Futures

This is the first year that Junior/Senior Planning Night will be held at Laurel Ridge’s Middletown Campus, expanding the program’s reach to serve students across the entire Laurel Ridge service region. Michelle Cribbs, outreach and coaching staff coordinator at Laurel Ridge, explained the event’s purpose: “This event focuses on helping families and students understand all of their options after high school. They hope they will come, have dinner, hear the presentation, and attend three of the five break-out sessions.”

The goal is to give students and families a holistic view of what’s possible after graduation, whether that means entering the workforce straight away, continuing their education, or joining the military.

Breakout Sessions and College Representatives

During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to attend various presentations, including:

• FAFSA Workshops: Understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step for many families planning for college expenses. Laurel Ridge’s onsite FAFSA workshops will walk participants through the application process to make it as easy as possible.
• College Application Process: Get an overview of how to apply to colleges, including tips for staying organized and what to expect throughout the process.
• Scholarships and Grants: Learn about the differences between scholarships and grants and how to apply for financial assistance effectively.
• Workforce Opportunities and Internships: Representatives from regional industries will be available to discuss workforce opportunities and internships, providing insight into local career options.
• Public Safety and Armed Forces Careers: Students can explore career paths in public safety and the Armed Forces, connecting with professionals who can answer questions and share their experiences.

Attendees will also have the chance to meet representatives from approximately 14 colleges and universities, including Shenandoah University, James Madison University, East Carolina University, Shepherd University, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and the University of Mary Washington. These representatives will provide detailed information about their programs and what makes each school unique, helping students determine the best fit for their educational and career goals.

A Night of Exploration and Opportunity

For students who aren’t sure about their next steps, Junior/Senior Planning Night is an opportunity to learn about a wide range of pathways, from traditional college education to career training and public service. With a mix of presentations, hands-on workshops, and direct conversations with college reps and industry professionals, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available after graduation.

“Planning for life after high school can be overwhelming,” said Cribbs. “Our goal is to ensure that students and their families have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their future, whether they want to attend college, start working, or explore other options.”

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
• Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• Location: Corron Community Development Center, Laurel Ridge Community College’s Middletown Campus
• Who Can Attend: This event is open to rising high school seniors and juniors in the Shenandoah Valley and their families.
• Cost: Free admission, including dinner for attendees.

The event is designed to be informative yet relaxed, encouraging families to explore, ask questions, and feel more confident about the future. To help make the most out of the evening, participants are encouraged to attend the general presentation and then choose three of the five breakout sessions based on their interests and needs.

Empowering Students with Knowledge

Reaching Out Now, the nonprofit co-hosting the event, has previously held it in Warren County, but moving it to Laurel Ridge’s Middletown Campus allows more families to participate. Reaching Out Now’s mission aligns perfectly with the goals of Junior/Senior Planning Night—to empower students to dream big and give them the tools and information they need to achieve those dreams.

Whether students are interested in attending a four-year university or community college or entering the workforce, Junior/Senior Planning Night aims to be a guiding resource. By providing checklists for both junior and senior years, facilitating face-to-face meetings with college representatives, and offering insights into workforce options and public service careers, the event serves as an all-in-one planning resource for families.

Visit the Reaching Out Now website for more Junior/Senior Planning Night information. Come ready to explore, ask questions, and take the next step toward a successful future.