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Withrow University High School College Fair

FamiliesFORWARD encourages high school students to move on to some sort of post-secondary education.
In April each year, the agency and Withrow High School host an annual college fair in the Withrow campus' main gymnasium. The event attracts about 400 students each year.


FamiliesFORWARD's college office coordinator plans and produces the annual fair. We invite local and national colleges to Withrow in an effort to expose Withrow students to life and education after high school.


Representatives from more than 35 schools—such as Ohio University, Miami University, Northern Kentucky University, and Hampton University and Tennessee State University, as well as other historically black colleges and universities—are available to speak with students one-on-one about admissions requirements and enrollment expectations. Some of these educational institutions will even offer select students instant admission, provided that he or she meets the qualifications and presents himself or herself appropriately.


The college fair is open to grades 9 through 12. For seniors, the fair is an opportunity to finalize their college selection and gain a more personal and meaningful perception of college. For underclassmen, the fair puts the importance of their high school education into perspective, helping students understand that high school is the place to lay down a strong academic foundation that will propel them toward a successful college experience.
The college representatives have told us that they enjoy speaking with eager and excited students about their educational goals and dreams. Many of the representatives come prepared with pens, T-shirts, key chains and other free items to attract students to their booths.

After students are engaged, the representatives provide campus details that will encourage the students to one day apply to their universities.