Organizers report that Navigation Day at Feather River College was an inspiring experience for local students, who enjoyed a beautiful day on the FRC campus. Navigation Day is designed to help set Plumas and Sierra county ninth graders’ sights on college after they graduate high school. “This year’s event offered a glimpse into what a collegiate atmosphere is like, and because it is held at Feather River College, you can count on a bunch of unique hands-on learning experiences!” said Nick Maffei, FRC director of marketing, communication and outreach.
In attendance were ninth graders from nearby high schools, including Quincy, Portola, Chester, Loyalton and Plumas Charter. All students participated in a campus tour, attended a College 101 session to help prepare them for what to expect from college, and then experience some true hands-on learning from a variety of FRC academic programs.
Students had the opportunity to get a taste of various programs at the college, such as exploring fire science skills through environmental sciences, examining fish at the hatchery, learning ranch skills though the agriculture and equine programs, attending real-life nursing demonstrations with allied health, and joining in a creative drawing exercise hosted by the studio art program.
Students ended the day at the Eagle’s Perch and were treated to lunch and games at the green on upper campus. “Overall, it was a great experience for local high school freshman,” said Maffei, who expressed his happiness with how the day went and his excitement in continuing this event into its third year.
“Demonstrating how accessible college is for our local students by having an institution like Feather River College right here in our own backyard is so important,” said Maffei. “Our hope is that students really start to consider attending FRC while in high school through co- or dual-enrollment programs, so they have a head start on college once they graduate high school. We are here to help kids discover their passion, which hopefully leads to fulfilling careers in and around Plumas County.”
About 180 high school students attended and everyone left enthused, said Maffei, and hopefully starting to think about their next educational step after high school. Maffei said his favorite quote from a local high school student that day was “This college is so cool. I just never really knew about all these awesome programs that you guys have here. I think I might go here now after high school.” Maffei said that made all the efforts in planning the event worth it.
Learn more about educational options at http://frc.edu.
Information provided by Feather River College