Oklahoma County Black Elected Officials College Fair scheduled for August 29

OKLAHOMA CITY – The second annual Oklahoma County Black Elected Officials College Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to Noon, at Metro Technology Centers, 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City.

The purpose of the event is to show local middle- and high-school students that college is attainable, affordable, and should be a part of their career plan.

State Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, said, “I often hear young people say that college is too expensive for them to attend, or that they have not taken their academics seriously enough and don’t think they would qualify to go to college.

“I want our young people to know that not only is college within their reach, but that most colleges will work with students who do not have the best grades or test scores. There is always a way to attain a college diploma, even if it means taking a non-traditional route. 

The return on a college investment is so great that it frustrates me to see so many young people missing out on the opportunity to take a step toward a successful life.

“Parents can never begin planning too early for their children’s collegiate options. That’s why middle-school students are urged to attend the college fair, to increase their outlook and to help them gain an idea of what their potential choices are.”

Elected officials encourage all middle- and high-school students in and around Oklahoma City, grades 7-12, to attend this event and learn about the options available to them, Shelton said.

Almost 40 colleges and universities and the armed services have confirmed attendance, and Metro Technology Centers will speak with students about professional licensing and career paths. Several breakout sessions are planned where experts will discuss various topics; those will include test-taking skills, how to apply for college, and how students can attend college tuition-free with an Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship

For more information, contact Representative Shelton at (405) 557-7367.