Higher Ed Tour hits area schools

SANDPOINT — The goal of the Idaho Higher Education Tour is to reach every high school junior across the state to start the discussion of college and career readiness.

"With the focus that Idaho state has on college and career readiness — for all students to have a plan after high school — the higher education tour really helps juniors start thinking about what their plans are after high school," said Jeralyn Mire, Sandpoint High School postsecondary counselor, during the tour's stop at SHS on Tuesday. 

The Higher Education Tour, organized by the Idaho Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers is a five-week, non-stop trip through Idaho, providing information about Idaho’s higher education opportunities to high school juniors. The event is hosted to jumpstart college and career conversations before a student’s senior year, said Teresa Borrenpohl, enrollment coordinator for North Idaho College.

"I think it is really important that we start the conversation with juniors now, because there is so much to learn," Borrenpohl said. "(The tour includes) schools from all across Idaho — we have fantastic opportunities in this state — so for them to be able to hear from our Boise schools and our Pocatello schools, as well as our local options, it gives them a great head start for senior year."

College representatives from seven Idaho institutions, as well as the military, were in Sandpoint to talk to the SHS juniors. The colleges represented were NIC, University of Idaho, Lewis Clark State College, Idaho State University, Boise State University, College of Idaho  and Northwest Nazarene. The tour also stopped at Priest River Lamanna High School on Tuesday, and Clark Fork and Bonners Ferry high schools on Wednesday.

Austin Moore, enrollment counselor for Boise State University, said one thing he stresses to juniors is to focus on their GPA, as well as doing well on their SATs or ACTs, because it is something that schools look at.

"And I am just trying to stress to them to keep going," Moore said. "I know it's a year away, but it's a quick year, so we are just trying to make sure the students are doing what they need to do in the classroom to be able to apply to whatever school they want to attend."

Mire said it is "perfect" timing as the juniors are registering for next year's classes. So if a student is interested in attending a particular school, the tour gave them the opportunity to find out some of the academic requirements specific to that institution. Mire also said it is good that the tour includes two-year, four-year and technical schools, as well as the military for students who are not interested in a traditional four-year education.

SHS college and career mentor Kendall Stratton said with so many different options out there, it is beneficial for students to learn about them early on and not stress about it during senior year.

"Also, the great thing about the higher ed tour ... you don't have to go far to get a great education," Stratton said. "Idaho schools have a lot to offer, so I think this is a great opportunity for juniors to really see what just the state of Idaho has to offer them. And also just the fact of starting early and exploring certain options that are right here for students to utilize."

Each school talked to the teens during three breakout sessions, during which the students could choose the sessions they wanted to attend depending on their interests. Each boasted what their institution has to offer, including on-campus activities, recreation, student clubs, athletics, and more.

Melissa Garrett, director of regional recruitment for UI, started the discussion talking about finding job satisfaction, referencing a quote from the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness" — "Everybody should have something that they love to do, so when they wake up in the morning, they can't believe they get to do it again."

"So if you are one of those lucky people who can find those careers, those jobs, that you are really passionate about; that you are excited about getting up in the morning and doing everyday, what a gift," Garrett said.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.