DFW Area Students Learn How to Prepare for College In a Tough Economy

Fort Worth, TX

2/12/2009

Approximately 300 Fort Worth area middle school students and their parents will get a head start on how to prepare for college in this challenging economic downturn. Cowtown Communications, a TCU student firm, in conjunction with Bank of America on University Boulevard and Berry Street and the Consumers Bankers Association (CBA) will host Destination: College!, a special fair designed to unravel the challenges of financing a college education.

The fair is part of a larger national campaign titled “Hit the Books Running.”
 
The event, which takes place at Daggett Middle School on Thursday, February 19 at 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., will bring together representatives from area colleges including TCU, UT Arlington, TCC, Texas Wesleyan and UNT, financial advisors from Bank of America, parents and students, to explore college opportunities and learn the college preparation process, especially relevant at a time of economic uncertainty.

The team’s research indicates that the college planning process should include financial and academic information for both parents and students.

“We are excited to be hosting this fair, because it gives Cowtown Communication a chance to bridge the gap that research shows exist between students’ perception and the reality of a college education in these economically challenging times” says Dr. Amiso George, the team’s adviser.
 
The event combines sound financial education from officials of Bank of America with lots of opportunities to listen to academic counselors about college and demystify expectations in college.

At the fair, students and parents will have the opportunity to visit booths hosted by area universities, school counselors and financial aid institutions that will provide students with vital information about the college planning process. Students and parents will also play games and hear a guest speaker that will motivate families to plan for college.

Cowtown Communications will host an additional lunch event at the Our Lady Victory School in Fort Worth on Friday, February 27 at 11:30 a.m. in which students will listen to a guest speaker during their lunch hour and receive materials about college and the preparation process.

Hannah Mathews, Cowtown research coordinator,  notes that “although, the U.S. Department of Education strongly encourages students to begin planning for college in middle school, many students do not actively begin preparing until junior or senior year of high school, jeopardizing their possibilities for the future. So, this fair is vital for our students. We believe that proper knowledge and understanding of the college planning process can alleviate many concerns for students and their families.”