For immediate release — June 9, 2017
(DALLAS) — Now that “Pomp and Circumstance” has faded from memory and the graduation balloons are deflated, it’s time to prepare for life after high school.
Taking the next step to start college can be daunting — but it doesn’t have to be. That’s because experts in financial aid, admissions and career counseling will gather this month to help high school graduates with their enrollment needs. The Dallas County Community College District’s annual EduCareer Expo will be held on Thurs., June 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Dallas High School, 3120 N. Haskell Ave. in Dallas.
The free event is open to all 2017 Dallas Independent School District graduates who want to enroll in one of the district’s seven colleges: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake or Richland. DCCCD also offers online courses through Dallas Colleges Online.
“At DCCCD, we are ready to help with one-stop shopping to get you enrolled and ready for classes,” said Molly Bewley, the district’s director of community engagement and outreach. “College enrollment can be cumbersome and confusing, but we’re here to lessen the burden.
“This fun come-and-go event is perfect for the recent graduate who may not have made a college plan or whose plans may have changed,” Bewley said.
At the event, students can access their high school transcripts and learn about DCCCD’s Rising Star scholarship. Rising Star provides academic and financial support for qualified students. Created and administered by the DCCCD Foundation, Rising Star assists Dallas County public high school graduates who have demonstrated financial need and met certain academic requirements.
During the expo, counselors will provide information about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid known as FAFSA and all types of financial aid benefits available to students of all incomes.
Graduates also will learn about DCCCD’s credit and continuing education programs, career options, training and the latest in technology.
Health officials will administer shots for the mandatory meningitis vaccine. All entering college students must get the vaccine prior to enrolling, or they must provide proof that they obtained the booster dose at least five years prior to enrolling. Students also may provide an appropriate exemption.
The vaccine is free for Medicaid or CHIP recipients 18 and under. Acceptable private insurance plans are Blue Cross Blue Shield/PPO and United Healthcare. Cigna (PPO) is also offered and subject to co-pay.
Students who have private insurance other than the ones listed above will pay $135.
Students who are 18 and who don’t have any medical coverage may qualify under the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program; the cost is $14. Students who have reached age 19 may qualify for the Adult Safety Net (ASN) program and will pay $25 for the vaccine.
DCCCD’s EduCareer Expo is presented in partnership with Dallas ISD.
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