SUNY Plattsburgh, UVM Health Network Join Forces for College Day Events at Field House
SUNY Plattsburgh, in partnership with UVM Health Career Fair, will host the annual College Day Program for a day focused on college and career exploration opportunities for students and families Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and again from 6 to 7 p.m. at the field house.
The partnership marks the first time that the health network, which includes CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, will join participating colleges and universities from around the state and Northeast at the annual event.
Students from area school districts will be bused to the field house during the morning session while the evening event is aimed primarily at parents, families and those students who were unable to attend the earlier session, according to Kayla Boise, undergraduate admissions adviser and special events coordinator.
“College Day gives North Country students a chance to explore a variety of colleges and healthcare fields. It also helps connect what students learn in high school to potential college and career pathways,” Boise said. “Opening the event to UVM Health allows us to expand that experience beyond a traditional college fair. Students can also see the connection between education, health care, and careers in the region.”
Chance to Ask Questions
Students will have the chance to make contacts and ask about admissions requirements, academic programs, scholarships, financial aid, career pathways and job placement opportunities and more.
Katrina Stone, system manager of talent acquisition at UVM Health, said the joint event “will provide a unique opportunity for local high school students throughout the North Country to explore the wide range of careers available within healthcare.”
“Students will have direct access to healthcare professionals representing both clinical and non-clinical career paths, allowing them to learn firsthand about the skills, education and experiences required for various roles,” she said. “In addition, students will have the opportunity to engage with college and university representatives to better understand the educational pathways needed to pursue careers in healthcare.
Helps ‘Bridge the Gap’
“By connecting students with both employers and educational institutions in one setting, the event will help bridge the gap between career exploration and academic planning,” Stone said.
Historically, the annual event was held in the evening, where students and their parents packed the field house, vying to get to tables to talk to as many college reps as they could in a couple hours, while UVM Health would hold its own Career Fair.
“Adding the daytime component allows us to provide a more immersive experience for students during the day,” Boise said.
And by teaming up, Stone said it will have a “significant impact on workforce development by increasing awareness of local healthcare career opportunities, encouraging students to pursue in-demand healthcare professions and helping build a future talent pipeline for our region.”
“The event also reinforces the commitment of both UVM Health Network and SUNY Plattsburgh to supporting career readiness and educational attainment for students in our communities.
“By combining the UVM Health Career Fair with SUNY Plattsburgh Career Day, we are already seeing increased student interest and attendance compared to hosting the events separately,” Stone said. She estimates that close to 700 students are expected to attend.
For more information from SUNY Plattsburgh, contact the Office of Admissions at 518-564-2040 or email [email protected]. For information from UVM Health Network, contact Stone at 802-542-3443 or email [email protected].
— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs with Staff File Photos
