With their prom in the history books and the end of the school year right around the corner, Johnston High School juniors may be focused on finishing the year and enjoying summer break. But the decisions those students make now could shape the rest of their lives, and the school’s administration and guidance department are making concerted efforts towards offering assistance with educational, career and life choices.
For the second year, Johnston High School recently held a Junior College Night at the school and more than 100 families took part in the event. There, students and their parents spoke with representatives from 13 area colleges, including the Community College of Rhode Island, the New England Institute of Technology and Salve Regina University.
Also on hand were members of the College Planning Center, who provided information on college applications, financial aid and about the processes juniors need to go through to be ready for college life should they choose that route after graduation.
“It’s a struggle for a lot of students, financially, to go to college,” said Debbie Licciardi, the school’s Guidance Department chair. “I would say the local and state colleges, it’s a little easier to afford. So we’re talking with students tonight about scholarships and financial programs.”
According to Licciardi, 51 percent of students from the class of 2016 went off to a four-year college, while 34 percent enrolled at a two-year school.
“Obviously, we want to improve those numbers,” said Joseph Pirraglia, the School Based Coordinator at JHS.
Pirraglia stated that juniors should be now be focusing on the steps of the school’s application program, such as how long it takes to hear a reply, what academic programs are offered at the colleges, internships that are available, and available job placement programs that are offered.
Sports, clubs and facilities should also be on the student’s list, to find a school that fits their interests. He recommended students begin to take tours of schools they’re considering applying to, visiting their dorms and surrounding communities.
“Hopefully, they’ll get some good information about what these schools specialize in, as most schools have a certain area that they are really known for,” said Pirraglia.
In the fall, the school plans to reinforce the steps they’ve taken at the event and bring back some of the colleges who participated in the fair for individual presentations.
“These kids have to make their decisions soon, typically by the end of next fall,” said Pirraglia. “Seniors have to make some tough decisions about what they want to do. Do they want to go to school, join the military or the workforce?”
While college may not be for every student, the school is taking into account those who may want to explore a trade. This week, a representative from Electric Boat also came to the school to assist students with online applications for welder positions with the company.
“As I told the kids, they don’t have to go to college to make a good living, but you need skills,” said Pirraglia. “Certificate programs are another avenue that students can explore.”
Councilman Robert Civetti of District 5 attended the College Fair, as his daughter Lauren, a student at the school, will be soon have to make decisions of her own.
“There’s a lot of information out there and it can get overwhelming, so having different colleges here as well as having people here for financial aid availability and explain the process is helpful,” he said. “People like me, just starting out with this process for the first time, it’s a reality check, it happens fast.”
Civetti said that the school has been providing a good mix of choices so that all students may benefit.
“I think the schools are doing a great job trying to expose the students to the opportunities that are out there. A few months back they had a career fair, which was helpful,” said Civetti. “They try to do what they can to help steer children in the right direction and hopefully students make the most of it and get something out of it.
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