By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – This year’s University of Arizona freshman class is about 5,000 students smaller than last year, according to a new census report.
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The university says it is creating a stronger, more academic incoming class, a group of freshmen more likely to graduate in four years.
With fewer spots available, school counselors want students to know there is a range of options.
Vendors showcase variety
More than 120 vendors showcased programs Tuesday night at the Tucson Convention Center.
Rocque Perez, Southern Arizona Education Council CEO, said, “There’s a growing appetite for different types of programs around the country, and so really what we have here is a showcase of that.”
Rebecca Carrier, Tucson Unified School District School Counseling Coordinator, said, “We’ve got trade schools, we’ve got apprenticeships, we’ve got military.”
The College & Career Night is a collaboration with TUSD.
As recent census data shows a smaller freshman class at the University of Arizona, more than 1,200 students explored other options at the event.
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Stacie Sprague, an AVID student, said, “There’s a bunch of colleges here and a bunch of career opportunities.”
Kagen Anderson, a high school senior, said, “You can see the armies – army people – and other branches – and there’s so many to explore.”
Certificates linked to higher pay
An Arizona community colleges report shows the average student with any certificate after high school earns around $8,700 more every year.
Perez said a similar event encouraged him in the past.
Perez said, “Having been able to engage with a number of colleges and universities, it gave me insight into all that I could achieve if I wanted to.”
College & Career Night happens once a year. College counselors are available at public schools year-round.
Isabela Lisco is aReport for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and theArizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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