ESCC welcomes EHS seniors for week of visits
College is for everyone who wants a path to something better, and senior visits are key to showing high school seniors that Enterprise State Community College and the Alabama Aviation College, a unit of Enterprise State, provide high-quality education and training programs to help students develop the skills and confidence to get to where they want to go faster.
From Feb. 24-Feb. 27, over 200 EHS seniors have visited ESCC’s campus to learn about how both colleges can help students be successful in their education and careers. In December, ESCC welcomed early graduates from EHS to campus, and the College has hosted senior visits for high schools located throughout its service area for several months.
“These visits are a great opportunity to see firsthand what all we have to offer,” Recruiter Jenna Strickland said.
Each senior visit is designed to be fun, informative and helpful to each student who attends.
The visit begins with students learning about each program track available at ESCC and AAC and how these programs can lead them to continue studying at a four-year institution or working a high-wage, high-demand job.
Students are also able to watch a special performance of the ESCC Entertainers, an experience that not only showcases student talent, but also highlights the Fine Arts Division at the College. Currently, ESCC has eight EHS alumni who are active with the Entertainers, who will hold Fine Arts Scholarship auditions March 5-6.
“We are thankful for the leadership of Dr. Ken Thomas and the ESCC Entertainers for showcasing their talents for our visiting high school seniors,” Career Coach/Recruiter Emily Baker said.
Students get the chance to tour the Enterprise campus through an interactive scavenger hunt, allowing the seniors to have a glimpse at the student life on campus and see facility upgrades.
Seniors also receive personal assistance from faculty and staff members on completing their ESCC college and scholarship applications and their FAFSA, which allows students to apply for federal financial aid that can be used at any two-year or four-year institution of the student’s choice.
Strickland thanked ESCC’s financial aid team for all their help with answering questions and completing applications during each EHS senior visit.
“The financial aid team was a big help,” Strickland said. “It’s important to help students get money for college.”
EHS student Darrell Scott said the senior visits were helpful in showing students how community college can offer them a quality education.
“The time I had here was great,” he said. “ESCC is a good place to get a two-year degree and start going on a good path.”
He also said he was also excited to hear about the many financial aid assistance opportunities that ESCC/AAC offers.
“ESCC gives out scholarships,” he said. “There are so many scholarships. Most people think that if they don’t get an academic or a sports scholarship, then they’re not going to be able to get a scholarship at all. ESCC has a lot of scholarships here, and they really help with everything.”
ESCC President Matt Rodgers thanked EHS officials and the team at ESCC and AAC for their work to make each senior visit successful.
“Thank you to EHS Principal Brent Harrison and his team at the high school for bussing the students here this week and talking with them about how we can help them here,” he said. “I’m also thankful for all our recruiters and team members for their work to make these visits happen.
Rodgers said he is proud to call ESCC the community’s college and is excited to hear that local students are taking advantage of all that both Colleges can offer them here at home.
“Enterprise High School and Enterprise State have a special history,” he said. “It has been great to hear how many students want to attend both colleges after high school, but it is also gratifying to help students achieve their goals. It’s our duty to offer that support to help all students succeed.”
“We’re in the business of changing lives, and where better to do that than in our local community. We believe that everyone can go to college, and we pride ourselves on being the community’s college.”
Cutline: EHS seniors had the chance to ask ESCC Ambassadors questions about student life, classes and more during a student panel. Pictured, from left, are Recruiter Adonis Bozeman, Anna Beth Malkoff, Allison Thomas, Marissa Thomas and Chayton Nelson.