For immediate release — Oct. 6, 2014
(DALLAS) — Football, fall — and financial aid?
While high school juniors and seniors are cheering for their home team this semester, they need to make their own touchdowns, too. They need to score by learning the latest information on college admissions, financial aid and what’s next on their schedule for a college degree. Time is flying as they text each other, do homework, attend football games and keep up with the latest news on their favorite social networks — but deadlines are approaching.
The Keys to Success/Las Llaves del Éxito can help. The free, one-day college fair for families will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Presented by Dr Pepper, in partnership with the Dallas County Community College District and the Dallas Independent School District, the event will provide students with the keys they need to succeed in higher education, including information about how to navigate the system so that they can attend a college or university. Focusing on students in grades 6 through 12, the free program is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at UNT Dallas, 7300 University Hills Blvd. Registration is scheduled in Building 7400, located on the south side of the campus. Parents are invited, and breakfast will be provided.
All participants who preregister for the program and complete a “Llaves Passport” can qualify for a chance to win a $500 DCCCD scholarship and other prizes. To preregister, visit
lasllavesdelexito.eventbrite.com.
In addition to sessions about preparing for college, deciding on a career pathway and understanding financial aid (FAFSA/TASFA), students can apply for the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway and meet La Grande 107.5 radio personality Shoboy. Several workshops in Spanish and English are scheduled for parents as well.
Other workshop session topics will include: college entrance exams; hands-on banking; college admissions; H.B. 5 (understanding House Bill 5); smart technology; college credit that students can earn in high school; and the Dr Pepper Giveaway. A parents’ panel is scheduled, too.
Sponsors include: DCCCD, Dallas ISD, University of North Texas at Dallas, Dr Pepper, the University of North Texas, CapitalOne Bank University Crossroads, Ford Motor Company, La Grande 107.5, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Telemundo, New York Life, LULAC National Education Service Centers Inc., Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (Dallas/Fort Worth chapter), Dallas County Schools, Education Is Freedom, Texas A&M University-Commerce, UT Outreach - Dallas, Wells Fargo, Texas Woman’s University, the University of Texas at Arlington, Commit!, H&R Block, Carter BloodCare, High Steps LLC and Merrill Lynch.
More than 1,000 participants attended last fall’s event, and more than 200 volunteers will work with students and their parents this year, providing practical information to help them become college-bound.
College representatives, admissions specialists and financial aid advisors will talk to families about the application process and the steps they need to take to be considered for admission and financial aid.
For more information, call the DCCCD office of outreach at (214) 378-1738 or DCCCD’s Spanish-language line at (214) 378-1713. Details also are available at www.dcccd.edu/KeysToSuccess.
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