By Peter Day
LUCERNE VALLEY — Judging from the turnout, Lucerne Valley High School’s first-ever College Financial Aid Night for 12th-graders and their families on November 7 was a bonafide success.
“We had over 30 attendees, which is a wonderful turnout considering our 12th grade class is 37 students,” said LVMHS Counselor Rebecca Rubio.
The event, which was held in the school’s Sgt. Brian L. Walker Memorial Gymnasium, featured two presenters from Victor Valley College. Financial Aid Director Jason Judkins spoke on financial aid available to Lucerne Valley High School graduates, and VVC College Recruiter Christopher Markin presented the college’s four “career pathways” programs.
Judkins and Markin talked about the year-and-a-half aviation maintenance technology program at the Southern California Logistics Airport The program prepares students to go into the aviation field, which can provide exciting opportunities with outstanding pay.
“There is a huge need to fill jobs in that field and it is a wonderful pathway option for students who may like to work with their hand,” according to Rubio. “No core classes are needed, it is simply hands-on learning.”
The VVC presenters also discussed welding, which is a very versatile pathway that builds skills that can be used in a lot of different fields. Students also learned about VVC’s electronics program, which is especially attractive to students interested in computer technology, and automotive technology, which is a popular interest for Lucerne Valley students, presents numerous opportunities at VVC and beyond.
“We have many students interested in automotive and it is great for those who may be currently enrolled in our auto class offered at Lucerne Valley High School to hear of the options they have after high school,” Rubio said.
While most college-bound Lucerne Valley students will choose Victor Valley College, there are additional post-high school educational and training opportunities, according to Rubio, who joined the Middle High School staff this school year.
“All of our seniors are encouraged to participate in the K-16 Bridge Program, which allows students to complete the college enrollment process with their high school counselor on their high school campus to ensure that they complete the steps to enrollment from application to selecting classes. They also have the opportunity to complete a college education plan with their high school counselor.”
While Lucerne Valley High School encourages all students to meet the A-G graduation requirements — history, science and the arts, etc. — required by California State and University of California schools to meet entrance requirements, Rubio and others at the school know not all students are going straight to a four-year college or university.
“We also talk about trade school, CTE pathways, community college, and certification programs. We want to make sure that students are aware of all the opportunities that come their way.”
This year’s College Aid Financial Night was a huge first step for Lucerne Valley students.
“This event strengthens our partnership with Victor Valley College, which a large percentage of our students plan to attend Fall 2019.”
There will be two college application workshops after school on November 29 and 30 in the Lucerne Valley Middle High School Library until 4:30 p.m.
To learn more about the Lucerne Valley Middle High School counseling department, click HERE.
Peter Day is a social media advisor for the Lucerne Valley Unified School District.