DeSoto High School Hosts College and Career Fair for Juniors and Seniors

DeSoto High School welcomed more than 45 colleges, universities, trade schools, and local agencies to campus for its College and Career Fair, coordinated by Erica Smith, Dean of Assessment and Student Success. Every junior and senior had the opportunity to attend, moving through the fair by class alongside their teachers and counselors during an hour-long visit.

A first for this year's fair was the participation of multiple foundations dedicated to student success, including the DeSoto County Education Foundation, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Links2Success, and Take Stock in Children. Alongside college and trade school representatives, these organizations — each offering mentorship, scholarship support, or other resources to DeSoto County students — were there to help students see not just where they could go, but how to get there.

Students were engaged throughout the morning, stopping at tables, asking questions, gathering information, and learning about opportunities they may not have previously considered. Smith called the event "a great morning," noting that students returned to class eager to share what they had learned.

“That excitement is exactly what educators and community partners hope events like the College and Career Fair will spark,” said Shannon Fusco, Executive Director of the DeSoto County Education Foundation, who joined other foundation representatives at the event to speak with students about scholarships and resources available to help them pursue their next steps.

"As educators and foundation supporters, our dream is for each student to imagine the possibilities and then decide what to do about them," Fusco said. "Today, DeSoto High School students started learning about some of those possibilities. We'll spend the rest of this year helping them turn those possibilities into realities."

For seniors, one important next step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students planning to pursue education or training after high school — including college, university, career and technical programs, and many trade schools — should complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid and other forms of assistance.

Students and parents will have multiple opportunities throughout the year to receive help with the FAFSA, applications, scholarships, and other steps in the postsecondary planning process. Families are encouraged to stay in close contact with school counselors, Dean Erica Smith, or their student's mentor with questions or for assistance.

The College and Career Fair may have introduced students to new possibilities, but the work does not end when the tables are packed away. DeSoto High School and its community partners will continue working throughout the year to help students move from exploring their options to taking the steps necessary to make those opportunities a reality.