Alternative Finances to Higher Education

On April 23 was the 3rd Annual Regional Job Fair, hosted by the Washington State Dept of Social and Health Services, WA State Worksouce, Skillsource of Washington and Big Bend Community College. In this current economic climate, more adult students are seeking ways to better educate themselves to better jobs. To meet a growing need in the region Tony Garcia, the regional Horizons Coach, was asked to prepare and present a discussion on titled "Alternative Finances to Higher Education". This was a presentation to adult community members (over 40 were in attendance) to showcase how they might return to college, and where they could find resources to assist them. Topics included GED (and other possible HS equivalency programs), Americorp, Peacecorp, Military options, Apprenticeship programs, local financial support, state financial support, federal programs, grants, fellowships and scholarships. To enhance the presentation a 250 page book was developed and produced to hand to presentation attendees that gave necessary background information and contact numbers for easy access.