SUFFOLK, Va. — What do you do after high school? That's a big question for many teens.
For those who choose to attend college, there are steps they need to take, such as applying to schools and securing financial aid.
On Saturday morning, high school students had the opportunity to participate in a workshop focused on preparing for college life.
This workshop is specifically designed for special education students with IEPs, physical disabilities, and learning disabilities.
The Suffolk Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is behind the free event at Nansemond River High School.
“We aim to support students with disabilities and guide them through the transition from high school to college,” said chapter president Belinda Pitts. “This demographic is an underserved and neglected group of students. We wanted to do something special for our students and their parents.”
Credit: Delta Sogma Theta
Pitts said the effort will be spread over three days. Two weeks ago, the sorority hosted a college and career fair. And on Saturday, students heard from support services representatives to learn more about the steps they need to take if they choose to attend college. Next month, students will learn about financial aid and receive assistance filling out the FAFSA form.
“We're opening it up to all schools, not just in Suffolk, but Portsmouth, the peninsula, this side, everywhere,” Mr Pitts said.
She said it's about raising awareness and letting parents and students know what their options are.
“They don't know these services exist,” she says. “Most universities have departments whose purpose is to help students obtain a university education and have a future, just like students without disabilities.”
Another workshop focused on how students can secure financial aid for college will be held at 10 a.m. March 16 at Lakeland High School.
