PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Cathy Bastin, Executive Director
5250 E US 36 Suite 1000-5
Avon, IN 46123
317-745-8804 fax 317-745-0757
[email protected]
www.hendrickscollegenetwork.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Take the Next Step: Hendricks County College and Career Fair 2012
Danville, IN – If college, a new career, or learning new skills are in your future, then come to the
Hendricks County “Take the Next Step” College and Career Fair on Thursday, March 1 at the
Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville, IN. This is THE
COLLEGE FAIR in Hendricks County, and participants from all parts of the county are encouraged
to attend. Workshops begin at 5pm, and the fair runs 6-8 pm. In 2011, over 500 people “took the
next step” to further their education or career.
The event is the capstone to a month of college readiness activities in the area schools and businesses.
Each high school is offering a FAFSA Day/Night where families can come to the school to fill out the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form with the assistance of experts from the
National Center for College Costs. Each day, the school will open a computer lab at 10 am and keep
it open, staffed with financial aid assistants from the NCCC, until 7pm. Anyone interested in getting
assistance or just filling it out online can do so at any of the schools on the date noted:

Danville HS Feb 6

Tri West HS Feb 21

Avon HS Feb 15

Cascade HS Feb 22
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Brownsburg HS Feb 16

Plainfield HS Feb 28
In addition to the 60+ colleges, universities, trade schools, military programs, and career
organizations that will be represented in the fair, workshops on scholarships, financial aid,
apprenticeships, and more are scheduled throughout the evening. Popular workshops returning
include Financial Aid 101, Essay Writing for College Admissions, Seeking Scholarships, and
Apprenticeship/Military/Alternative Options. New workshops this year include NCAA Rules and
Regulations for Student Athletes, Dual Credit Questions and Answers, Online College Programs, and
Campus Life and Safety. “We listened to what people were asking, and found experts to address
those big concerns,” stated Cathy Bastin, Executive Director of Hendricks College Network. “For
example, life on campus is best described by those who have very recently graduated, so we have a
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panel of recent college graduates discussing important issues for campus living, and answering
questions about ‘real’ college life”.
Thanks to sponsors Hendricks College Network, Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference
Complex, Hendricks County Community Foundation, and Hendricks Regional Health, Hendricks
County Economic Development Partnership, Hendricks County College Success Coalition, Purdue
University Cooperative Extension Service, & State Bank of Lizton, in addition to the area high
schools, this annual event has become the hot spot for ANYONE looking for information on
continuing his or her education or developing career. “We have something for 16 year olds and 96
year olds, and everyone in between!” shared Bastin. “Whether you need to complete your GED or
PhD, explore apprenticeship or military programs, or explore college choices and financial options for
your high school child, this is the place to get all your questions answered!”
NEW EVENT THIS YEAR - College Fair PREGAME
The night BEFORE the big college and career fair, Wednesday February 29, HCN is hosting a
GRADUATE DEGREE FAIR at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex
in Danville, IN from 5-8pm as well. There will be 20+ Graduate School Programs offering
information to assist local residents in their quest to further their education at the graduate level,
improve their employment opportunities, and achieve personal fulfillment. Workshops will be more
of “table discussions” with university experts in the areas of Finance, GRE/GMAT Prep, Statements
of Purpose, Program Format (online, traditional, accelerated, etc.), and Differences between
Undergrad and Grad programs. Those attending the workshop will hear from all of the experts from
5-6pm. The fair will open from 6-8pm. “This is something we have wanted to do for some time,”
Bastin said. “Many of our residents are ready for that next level of education, and this is a great way
to compare programs, get free resources and information, and ‘Take the Next Step’ in a smaller, more
intimate setting.”
For more information on these events, contact Hendricks College Network at 317-745-8804 or log in
to www.HendricksCollegeNetwork.org.