For Immediate Release

Contact: Anthony Twyman
Public Relations Coordinator
Community College of Philadelphia
Office: (215) 751-8082
atwyman@ccp.edu

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO EXPLORE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA, September 13, 2006 - Area high school students will have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to attend college when Community College of Philadelphia holds the Careers of Tomorrow Fair, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 20 at the College's Center for Business and Industry, 18th and Callowhill streets.

At 10:30 a.m., students from select area high schools will have the opportunity to learn about the application process, financial aid options and courses that can lead to an associate's degree or that can be transferred to a four-year institution. As part of a campus tour, they can attend associate's degree and certificate program classes in subjects as diverse as Chemistry, English, Automotive Repair and Computer Forensics, among others.

"It will broaden their view of the careers that are possible," said Mary Anne Celenza, dean of Math, Science and Health Careers at the College.

At 12:00 p.m., the high school students will interact with the College's students as they learn about internships and community service opportunities at Student Involvement Day, outside the Winnet Student Life building on the west side of 17th Street, just south of Spring Garden Street. To top off the day's activities, Q Deezy, a radio personality from Power 99FM, will be the featured motivational speaker at 12:45 p.m., outside the Winnet building.

The fair is part of a series of events to launch the College's new brand initiative, The Path to PossibilitiesT, which will showcase the many high quality educational, professional development and customized corporate training programs at the College to students, the business community, civic leaders, government officials and the general public.

The campaign is a result of research conducted by CLARUS Corporation. Among the findings, 55 percent of the employers surveyed expect a shortage of qualified job candidates in the future. In addition, the employers reported that only 26 percent of their employees have two-year or four-year college degrees or higher.

"Our goal is to motivate students to get the education they need in order to advance their own goals and meet the expectations of the business community," stated Stephen M. Curtis, Ph.D., president of Community College of Philadelphia.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:

10:00 -10:30 a.m. "The Launch" Center for Business and Industry, 18th and Callowhill streets A festive unveiling of a new initiative that will acquaint the regional business community, civic leaders, students and the general public with the College's courses and programs

4:30 -7:00 p.m. "Explore Your Possibilities: Open House, Career and Job Fair" Center for Business and Industry College faculty and administrators will provide information about programs, courses, the admissions process and financial aid; hands-on training with helpful hints to enhance the public's Microsoft Office and business communication skills; and local employment opportunities

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road 8:00 a.m. Northeast Chamber of Commerce breakfast (invitation only) 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Open House - high school and college students will receive information about the College's associate's degree programs and financial aid 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mini Job Fair featuring employers such as the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania Armory National Guard, United Parcel Service, the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union and Homestead Senior Care

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23: West Philadelphia Regional Center, 4725 Chestnut Street 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. "Open House: Education and Career workshops for Adults" Mini-workshops will be held concurrently from 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. on topics such as "Financing Your Education" and "Surviving and Thriving in College"

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: Northwest Regional Center, 1300 W. Godfrey Avenue 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. "Open House: Education, Access and PersistenceWorkshops" for students from area high schools on topics such as "How to Stay in College" and "Making Math Fun"