News

Klamath Adult Learning Center students heard how to apply for financial aid, how to begin choosing a career, and how a college education can benefit them throughout their lifetime during a Jan. 29 visit to Klamath Community College.

The 11 teenagers spent the morning talking with Dean for Student Services Jason Wood, Financial Aid Officer Donna Fulton and Career Pathways Coordinator Paula Pence. They also got a tour of the campus from KCC student government ambassador Lilybeth Gutierrez.

Fulton described the difference between grants and scholarships, which don’t have to be paid back, and loans that must be repaid over time. She said financial aid comes from federal, state and private sources, and encouraged the students who plan to enroll in college to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid well before the academic year begins.

Pence emphasized that making a good career choice depends on a person knowing themselves and their interests. She also mentioned publications from WorkSource Oregon that outline industries that will be looking for workers in the coming years – with health fields, education and engineering the most promising in Oregon.

Wood touted community colleges in general and KCC in particular for having smaller class sizes than four-year universities. He also said that community college tuition is less expensive than at the larger schools.

He added that KCC provides free tutoring to its students. "We’ll hire that tutor for you and guarantee their expertise," Wood said.

He urged students to consider enrolling at KCC, saying, "Every single one of you can get into KCC and can be successful."