Lloydminster Comprehensive High School welcomed hundreds of students into the gym for its second College Day of the school year.
Read more: Rotarians captivated by Lloydminster history
The Nov. 27 event gave students in grades 10 to 12 a firsthand look at post-secondary programs, campus life and career pathways.
The event, which featured 18 booths from universities, colleges, trade schools and first-responder organizations, is part of LCHS’s effort to help students plan early for life after graduation. Throughout the fall, the school brings in a wide range of institutions — from the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces to universities on both sides of the Alberta–Saskatchewan border.
“Today is part two of our college day events,” said academic counsellor Kaylin Britton. “Throughout the fall, we have post-secondary schools, trade schools, the RCMP, the military, firefighters and first responders on site. Student can ask questions and get to know what each school might offer. The day also helps students learn about campus and lifestyle at each institution.”
Britton works closely with Grade 12 students to ensure they’re on track to graduate, but she also makes a point of starting post-secondary conversations early with younger grades.
“I’m a little more hands-on with the older students, but it’s important to get the conversation started early,” she said.
Because Lloydminster sits on the provincial border, Britton said the school hosts two college days each year — one focused on Saskatchewan institutions and another geared toward Alberta schools. The first, held Oct. 2, tends to feature more trades programs.
Early planning is crucial, Britton added, especially since many post-secondary applications open Oct. 1 and some competitive programs fill quickly.
“Some programs can fill up in one day,” she said. “We don’t want students to miss out on opportunities, so we try to get them in the mindset to apply as early as possible. These are not last-minute decisions that should be made at the end of Grade 12.”
Roughly 600 students moved through the gym throughout the day, gathering information not only on programs and admission requirements, but also scholarships, athletics, clubs and residence life.
“They’re not just purchasing an education; they’re purchasing a lifestyle,” said Britton.
Students said the event helped them better understand their options.
Grade 12 student Ryanne Durobick said she already has a strong interest in Lakeland College’s nursing program but wanted to explore other possibilities.
“I’ve kind of already got an idea of where I want to go, so today I’m mostly just looking at the other colleges,” she said, adding that the U of S and U of C were also on her radar. “Without a college day, I would have picked the U of S. Today, I learned a lot about Lakeland. This event helped me learn more about the school I’d be choosing.”
For fellow Grade 12 student Tori Spooner, the day confirmed she’ll need to travel farther for her desired program.
“I was looking to see if any of the colleges closer to home offer what I need, but it turns out nothing does,” said Spooner, who plans to study forensic science. “I have to go to either Peterborough or Windsor in Ontario for my program.”
With another college day complete, Britton hopes students leave more confident and prepared to take their next steps. “Our goal is to make sure they understand their options,” she said. “Events like this help them start that journey long before graduation.”
Read more: City hosts Christmas food and toy drive Dec. 6
