Students at Calera and Montevallo high schools are participating in College Application Week from November 3-7.  Both schools are pursuing the goal of all juniors and seniors completing and submitting at least one college application.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates nearly 90 percent of America’s upcoming careers will require employees to have postsecondary experience (associate degrees, bachelors, and above). In the past, the college application process was a potential barrier for some students who may have been overwhelmed because they did not have a clear understanding of how to apply.

Alabama College Application Week was started to increase the number of students applying to, and ultimately enrolling in postsecondary education. The week-long event focuses on increasing the number of young people, especially first-generation and low-income students, pursuing college degrees.

“Obtaining a post-secondary degree is linked to higher income, better health, and even increased community involvement,” said Alabama College Application Campaign (ALCAC) Coordinator

Willietta Conner.  “During this week, local high schools across the state will host college application fairs. Students will attend these events during the school day, and work-on and submit their applications to postsecondary institutions across the country. Many colleges have waived their application fees just for this event – to ensure students can participate with no personal cost to their families. All students that apply to colleges during this event will receive a commemorative pin, which says, I Applied to College!”

This will be the second year Alabama has hosted this event. Last year, 10 Alabama high schools piloted the program, in which a total of 1,538 high school seniors participated. This year, more than 179 schools have registered to participate statewide, including the two high schools in Shelby County.

Included in the week’s activities, teachers will decorate classroom doors promoting colleges and universities and students and staff will be wearing their favorite college gear. Students submitting their college applications will also receive assistance with writing admissions and scholarship essays, as well as submitting transcript and fee waiver requests. In addition to submitting college applications and associated documents, students will submit applications for FAFSA and FAFSA pins, which will create more opportunities for higher education.