More than 3,500 parents, students and community members headed to North Point High School on Wednesday, Sept. 23 to attend the 12th annual Charles County College Fair, sponsored by Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). Representatives from close to 143 college and universities from across the Mid-Atlantic region were in attendance to meet with students and answer questions about academic programs, cost of attendance and scholarship opportunities.  

The fair offers two opportunities for CCPS students and community members to research a wide array of colleges and universities in one setting. During the morning session, held from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., more than 1,500 students from the six public high schools were bused from school to the fair. Students from each high school were provided with an opportunity to sign up for the fair in advance, as space was limited and parental consent for bus transportation was required.   

Many students take advantage of the opportunity to attend the fair to research opportunities available to them after they graduate and to narrow down their college and university selections. Students were limited in time, receiving about 30 minutes to visit with as many representatives possible, and filled out contact cards to receive more information.  

North Point seniors Drew Mercer and Kaylin Metty met with representatives from public Maryland colleges, including Towson University and the University of Maryland. Other students, including Henry E. Lackey High School junior Asia Johnson, met with representatives from out-of-state private colleges including Catholic University and Saint Leo University. 

About 2,000 students and parents attended the evening session, which featured two financial aid workshops to explain the financial aid application process. Additionally, each high school hosts a financial aid night for parents and students to learn more about the application process. Parents and students are welcome to attend any of the sessions held at any school.   

The financial aid nights are scheduled for: 

·        Henry E. Lackey High School, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.;

·        La Plata High School, Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m.;

·        Maurice J. McDonough High School, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.;

·        North Point High School, Dec. 3, 7 p.m.;

·        Thomas Stone High School, Nov. 19, 7 p.m.; and

·        Westlake High School, Dec. 8, 7 p.m.  

For more information about an individual financial aid night, contact the school’s college and career advisor.