Students and parents explore higher education opportunities at Kern County College Night

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — School began only a few weeks ago, but it is never too early for high school students to begin thinking and talking with colleges.

Kern County Superintendent of Schools had partnered with Kern High School District, Bakersfield College, California State University, Bakersfield, and Taft College to host the annual Kern County College night on Monday, September 9 at Mechanics Bank Convention Center.

The event was free to the community, with representatives from public and private universities as well as breakout groups focusing on a variety of topics from financial aid to deciding which college is right for each student.

For a quarter century, the Kern County schools, districts, and students all gathered on Monday for the annual Kern County College Night. This allows them to explore higher education and the resources available to them.

Over 100 colleges from coast to coast were on display to provide resources and speak with students if their school was fit for them.

“I think it’s super important because here in Kern County, we serve a lot of diverse students,” said college and career programs department specialist, Janeyle Thomas. “I think it’s just important to get them to understand the differences between our CSUs, our UCS, our trade schools, and military, there are so many different opportunities. So, even if a kid doesn’t want to go to college, there’s still a route for them. And that’s the most important thing by far.”

For most of these school recruiters, having this event will help set up the student for success.

“I grew up here in Kern County,” said Director of Enrollment for Special Populations for University Outreach, Veronica Bethea-Amey. “I know the importance of higher education. I know what it can do for families. I know what it can do for students, that sense of triumph, that sense of accomplishment, and as well as just, you know, the opportunities that it brings to change lives.”

“For those that are wanting to come with their parents, maybe they’re a little younger,” said Taft College community outreach coordinator, Cinthya Guevara. “It’s a good way to prepare them for college, and really build that experience, what do I have to do to prepare myself.”

To gain the full experience, both students and their parents could explore their options.

“I think it’s to get to know all the different colleges and understand and look, just look into them, really,” said Foothill High School student, Armando Rivera. “That’s why I’m doing it, so I can explore and see what different colleges I want to go to.”

“I don’t have a lot of like information, a lot of it, so it would be really helpful,” said Foothill High School student Aylah Magallanes. “To hear from different kinds of schools, and not just like one state, like, I want a full variety.”

“For one, we as parents, we need to, I feel like set up for our colleges’ funds and things of that nature,” said parent, Beatriz Hernandez. “But, also so he has options as to where to go based on his major.”

As part of break-out groups, counselors from the Kern High School District were at the college night to answer any questions parents or students may have.