2nd Annual College Fair This Saturday at Metro Tech

OKLAHOMA CITY - Exhibitor registration for the second annual Oklahoma County College Fair is closed because, "We’re filled up," state Rep. Mike Shelton said Wednesday.

Almost 50 exhibitors from five states have registered to participate in the event, which is scheduled for this Saturday morning, Aug. 29, at Metro Technology Center.

Exhibitors will include numerous institutions of higher education from Oklahoma and elsewhere, such as North Texas State University from Denton, Fisk University from Nashville, Tenn., and Lincoln University from Jefferson City, Mo., presenting a varied menu of degree offerings; all branches of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force); plus the Job Corps.

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

"Our goal is to create a career plan for every student who walks through the door, whether they are ready for college today or in a couple of years, or those ready to earn a professional licensing degree from Metro Tech," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. "We want our students to move toward whatever career path they think will make them successful."

Parents and guardians "can never begin planning too early for their children’s collegiate options," the veteran legislator said. 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. "Anyone with any questions about this event should call my office at (405) 557-7367."

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.

The college fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 29 in the Business Conference Center at Metro Technology Center, 1900 Springlake Drive in Oklahoma City.

Sponsoring the event are Oklahoma County’s Black Elected Officials in partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma, Perry Publishing and Broadcasting, and Metro Tech.