Let’s talk about your career! Students at Nederland Middle-Senior High School attended a mini college fair at their school. Representatives from four schools came to talk to them about technology, trade, and academic programs.[/caption]

Four institutions of higher education came to Nederland Middle-Senior High School to talk to students about their plans after high school and to promote their programs at a mini college fair. During their lunch period students could come to the school library to talk to the representatives from Colorado Mountain College, Western Colorado University, Colorado Mesa University, and Colorado School of Mines.

There was a lively buzz in the room as curious students came in asking questions while college admissions representatives eagerly shared their expertise and knowledge about their schools.

Dr. Justin Shaffer, an NMSHS parent and professor at Colorado School of Mines, came to represent the School of Mines. Shaffer said, “We want to expose engineering to more students. We want more rural and small school involvement.” With a hard hat and a burro at his table, he wanted to help spread the word about engineering to a wider range of students. Many students stopped to discuss engineering education in Golden with Dr. Shaffer.

It was, of course, an added bonus for Dr. Shaffer to be able to see his son at lunch time during the fair.

The representative from Western Colorado University said that they have several students from this area who apply to their school. With all the outdoor activities around Gunnison, it is “kinda like a home away from home for the kids from this area,” the representative shared. They want students and parents to know that they are in the more affordable range of schools in Colorado.

Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction is growing and expanding their outreach. Their representative talked about their two-year technical and trade programs as well as their wide range of academic degrees. Mesa’s tuition rates also land in the more affordable range, according to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. (https://highered.colorado.gov/publications/Reports/Budget/FY2023/2023_tuitionfeesreport.pdf)

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) has several programs at different locations around Colorado. Some students’ curiosity was piqued when the representative started talking about how in the ski and snowboard business program students design and make their snowboards. CMC loves to spread the word about their hands-on career and technical programs. They also emphasize that they are an affordable school.

NMSHS school counselor Jill Pries organized the event. She said, “Colorado Mountain College has several programs relating to outdoor recreation, business and leadership, and medical sciences, and they are located near other Colorado snow resorts and recreation which aligns with aspects of the Ned lifestyle.

“Colorado Mesa University and Western Colorado University each offer a wide range of science, engineering, and data and technology programs in addition to traditional offerings in education, business, and medicine. Colorado School of Mines is among the top in the nation for mathematical, technology, engineering, and research. Ned graduates in recent years have been admitted to these universities and are attending these fabulous schools.”

The students were engaged with the representatives and appreciated their efforts in coming to Nederland. Nederland junior Lukey Mahorski sincerely said, “I am really happy we have this opportunity today.”