Students and their parents are encouraged to attend. The schedule includes a welcome from GCC President Alan Scheibmeir, an introduction to GCC, its programs and dual credit by Counseling Director Barbara Malone and ideas for using an education in "Opportunity To Get An Education and Give It Back To The Community" by GCC professor and representative of the Minority Education Foundation Susie Viars-Andrews.
A refreshment break is planned for 7:45 p.m. after which students will visit the computer lab to use "Career Cruising", an interactive tool to help students learn about various careers. Parents will spend time with GCC staff discussing the challenges of completing an education, how to encourage a student's success and a question and answer session.
At 8:20 p.m. both groups will return to the CWL Auditorium to hear "Why Is It Important To Start Thinking About College Early?" with Alvis Dunlap, principal of B. McDaniel Middle School in Denison. The evening will end with t-shirt and door prizes by 8:45 p.m.
There is no fee for attending the session, however reservations are requested by Aug. 13 so that the sessions can be prepared appropriately. To make a reservation contact Charles Leslie, Jr., GCC's african american initiative enrollment adviser, at 903-415-2532 or by email at lesliec@grayson.edu.
Additional sessions focusing on related educational issues are planned each month through December. These free sessions are scheduled for 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. September's topic will be "Adult Continuing Education for Personal Enrichment"; October will help with financial aid questions, "Understanding FAFSA and Funding for College", followed by November's presentation on "Dual Credit" and "Goal Setting: How to Make My Dream Come True" and ending with "Targeting Your Life in Career Cruising: Exploring the Possibilities, What To Do With Your Life" in December.