College alternatives is the topic of Jan. 7 program

Thursday, 31 December 2009 00:00

On Thursday, Jan. 7, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Mark Twain Library, the Joel Barlow High School PTSA will present a discussion of college alternatives. The panel will include former Barlow students who have taken a gap year between high school and college, and Mitch Holmes, academic dean at Naugatuck Community College.

Mr. Holmes will discuss the various academic and technical certificates and degrees that can benefit students, whether they continue their education, pursue their passion or enter the workforce. He will also present information on the success of Barlow students who have attended Naugatuck Community College.

The students on the panel will share their experiences in “taking a year on” to work, intern, perform community service and otherwise achieve alternative learning experiences.

With the ever-increasing costs of a college education and the pressure on students to get into college, many parents should step back and reassess whether the goal is simply “access to college” or “success in college,” according to the release on this event.

Studies show that students who take a year off to work, volunteer or attend community college are very successful in their college careers. In fact, Harvard and Princeton require that some of their accepted applicants pursue a gap year experience before entering their college.

Space at the program is limited. RSVP to Colleen T. Joyce at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Light refreshments will be served.

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