High school parents and educators are invited to attend the Public Education Foundation's College Knowledge Breaks. These monthly lunch and learn workshops will focus on college related topics such as essay writing, college financial planning and college admission. Other adults who work with or advise students on the road to post-secondary success are invited as well. All the sessions will be from 12–1 p.m. in the PEF Ruth Holmberg Center for Excellence, third floor of 100 East 10th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402.
PEF VP of College and Career Success Stacy Lightfoot said, "One of the most important decisions our students will make is to continue on to college. PEF’s College and Career Readiness work focuses on encouraging students to attend college, and provides them and their families with support and access to help them accomplish this goal."
Spring 2014 sessions include:
· Thursday, March 13 – ACT/SAT: That is the Question While many students put their energy into acing standardized tests, in reality, grades and the rigor of a student’s curriculum are the most important factors in a college application. Standardized test scores are often necessary, but not sufficient for determining admission on their own. We invite you to this workshop to hear about the truth behind testing and how it affects your student in the college application process. Who better to hear this information from than Carl Forbes of ACT, Inc.
· Thursday, April 24 – The Importance of Volunteering PEF Volunteer Coordinator Kate Skonberg will help participants learn how strategic volunteering can help students set themselves apart from the crowd. It’s a competitive world, but through volunteering, students can gain valuable job skills, become eligible for scholarships, build career networks, and grow as a person. Attendees will learn specific ways to find service learning and volunteer opportunities in Chattanooga and techniques toward maximizing each opportunity.
· Tuesday, May 20 – Support Students with Disabilities Many parents are often frustrated at the lack of support for their students who may have special circumstances and challenges when it comes to their disability/difference. However, there are many resources beyond high school that can help students transition into the world of post-secondary learning. Whether your student is gifted, has a learning difference, or physical challenge, colleges have stepped up the plate to offer assistance in many areas, including tutoring in various subjects, preparing for tests, developing effective study skills, writing assignments, choosing a career, changing your major and using the library.
PEF will provide an optional lunch for $5 per person. RSVPs for lunch are required and may be made online at pefchattanooga.org/registerapply.