Students Explore Link Between College & Career at Golden Circle Fair

DES MOINES, IOWA (Sept. 13, 2024) — The largest college fair in the state of Iowa, the Golden Circle College Fair, will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 1;00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona, bringing together more than 80 colleges, universities, and career and student service resources. This highly anticipated event offers high school students and families a unique opportunity to connect with college representatives and explore a wide variety of education and training options.

Hosteby by the education nonprofit ICAN, the fair is designed to help students and their families navigate the planning process for life after high school, providing them with direct access to information about career planning, academic programs, admission requirements, campus life, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and career training and student support services.

Key Highlights:

• Meet representatives for over 80 organizations and institutions, including public and private universities, community colleges, and technical programs.
• Learn about scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options to support higher education.
• Explore various programs, from liberal arts to STEM, CTE and more.
• Engage with career and college advising experts on career exploration, work-based learning, and student success.

“Choosing the right post-high school path for education or training can be a daunting process, but events like this make it easier for students and their families to find the best fit for their educational and carer goals,” said Brittania Morey, Vice President Marketing and Communications for ICAN. “We’re excited to provide a platform where students can get their questions answered and start envisioning their future.”

The event is free and open to the public, and no pre-registration is required. High school students, their parents, and educators are all encouraged to attend. Attendees are also encouraged to set up a StriveScan barcode (www.strivefair.com)to ease the sharing of information with colleges. Students are also welcome to bring copies of their transcripts and resumes to discuss with admission representatives.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, September 22

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location: Prairie Meadows Conference Center
1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona

This event is sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Prairie Meadows, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Iowa Building Trades. For more information about the Golden Circle College, to view and exhibitor list, or to register for a barcode visit: www.ICANsucceed.org/goldencircle.

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About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Hiawatha, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.