Inquire. Discover. Decide. AG College Fairs debut
By Christy Rowden
A unique opportunity will soon be available for high school students who want to see Assemblies of God colleges in a whole new light.
The Alliance for AG Higher Education will be presenting a series of college fairs to begin October 3, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. Additional fairs are set for spring 2010 in Illinois and Southern California and for fall 2010 in Colorado.
Jamie Bell, former executive director of enrollment at Central Bible College, had the vision for the college fairs and presented it to the other AG college admissions professionals who were present at the Alliance’s Enrollment Summit in February 2009. The enrollment officers rallied behind the idea, and a committee began brainstorming and making plans immediately.
According to Bell, the purpose for these college fairs is two-fold. “One, the fairs will raise the awareness of the quality of our higher education institutions within our movement and make them the institutions of choice amongst our students and parents. We don’t currently have a setting that is conducive for individuals to evaluate our schools and all their advantages. Two, they will give our schools a priceless opportunity to connect with the students of our movement in a competitive but intentional environment.”
Students, as well as parents, are often introduced to AG schools at national or district events but are there for other reasons, so they don’t have the opportunity to research thoroughly. At the fairs, high school students and parents will be able to focus solely on the search for the college that is the right fit for the student’s call, goals and interests.
College fair attendees will get a first-hand account of the academic, social and spiritual life on each campus from admissions personnel who have lived and loved their own experiences. The fairs will also feature mini-sessions on “Finding Financial Aid” and “Why You Should Attend an AG School.”
If the four pilot fairs held in 2009 and 2010 are successful, the Alliance hopes to expand in the future.
“My ultimate dream would be that these college fairs are hosted all around the country, giving students an unparalleled opportunity to discover one of our AG colleges and universities,” says Bell. “I hope that we see the majority of our students going to AG colleges, that these fairs become the strongest recruitment opportunities for our institutions and that they become one of the catalysts for increased enrollment.”
In addition, many AG schools are represented this week at General Council in the Exhibit Hall. For more detailed information about the AG College Fairs and AG Higher Education, see www.colleges.ag.org.