Open houses across the state answer questions about college


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SALT LAKE CITY — The state has launched a series of open houses to convince high school students and their parents college is a viable option. It is clearing up the misconceptions about higher education, starting with the most common: money.

“College is expensive and I don’t know how I’m going to pay for it,” said Taryn Rodman from Corner Canyon High School.

She attended the open house at Salt Lake Community College to learn her options. And representatives at several booths and tables representing Utah’s System of Higher Education were ready.

“So my first piece of advice is always to start looking for scholarships,” said Sumiko Martinez, an outreach officer with Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority. “And start saving money for college early.”

Rodman also received advice on applying for student financial aid.

Carlos Artiles attended the open house wondering if he could handle the academics.

“For me it was all the classes. I didn’t know what to expect.”

Once again, open house teams reassured him, he’d find help.

“Each institution has tutoring centers, they have a lot of support," said Maria Martinez, a college access challenge grant manager. “Once they get to college, there’s a lot more resources than sometimes they find in high school.”

It’s this type of reassurance many students and families need, especially those who are first generation college students.

The StepUP to Higher Education program hosts these events to answer questions before students rule out going on to college. They hope it helps achieve the statewide goal of having 66 percent of Utahns with a post-secondary degree or certificate by the year 2020.

Jaxon Pettersson, from Cyprus High School, had the basic concern — getting accepted.

Others worried about entering a new environment.

“It’s just a big space,” said Artiles. “I didn’t know if I was going to feel comfortable.”

Advisers at the open house play part counselor, part cheerleader as they lay out the possibilities.

“What I think students need to do is just jump in and be part of the process,” said Curtis Larsen, with Student Planning and Support at Salt Lake Community College.

Martinez summed it up on a positive note. “I would say ditch that fear at the door and just go for it.”

To find out about open houses or to get answers to college questions, go to www.StepUpUtah.com.

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Deanie Wimmer

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