GALLUP, N.M. — The University of New Mexico-Gallup hosts its annual College Transfer & Scholarship Fair in October with a special visit from the Be Pro Be Proud New Mexico Mobile Workshop.
The fair is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gurley Hall. The event will allow students to connect with colleges and universities in one place, meet with student success advisors, learn about transfer programs, and meet with scholarship representatives.
“I hope students get a clear guide of where they want to transfer or narrow down some schools where they want to transfer and get their questions answered,” TRIO Student Support Services Program Director Kimimila Simms said. “Students can also get an idea of what it takes to transfer and when they should start the transfer process. As for scholarships, they can make sure they have the funding and can afford the transfer.”
As a two-year institution, UNM-Gallup provides several programs for students seeking certificates and associate degrees to enter the workforce directly. But UNM-Gallup also serves as a springboard for students who want to start their education close to home, then transfer to another institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The College Transfer & Scholarship Fair is organized by the UNM-Gallup Student Affairs Department in partnership with McKinley Academy. McKinley Academy is a dual enrollment high school program offered by Gallup-McKinley County Schools and operates on the UNM-Gallup campus.
Be Pro Be Proud
This year’s fair will add a special visit from the Be Pro Be Proud New Mexico Mobile Workshop in the campus parking lot for two days.
The Mobile Workshop provides students with the opportunity to explore in-demand jobs through interactive, hands-on experiences. The workshop features virtual reality and augmented reality simulators so students can discover which skills professions spark their interests.
The first day of the Mobile Workshop will be open to UNM-Gallup students on Wednesday, Oct. 16; and the second day will be open to McKinley Academy students on Thursday, Oct. 17.
“By participating in UNM Gallup's College Transfer & Scholarship Fair, I hope McKinley Academy students become aware of all of the amazing college and scholarship opportunities that they can take advantage of after high school,” McKinley Academy School Counselor Melissa Rodriguez said. “I also hope this helps them make informed decisions about where they want to attend college or trade programs and ways to help cover the costs of their future educational goals.”
“Expand your horizons”
The College Transfer & Scholarship Fair is open to all local students, particularly those who are getting ready to graduate or who are thinking about transferring to UNM main campus in Albuquerque or another college or university.
Every year, UNM has several colleges and departments represented at the fair, including the Office of Admissions, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Education & Human Services, the Health Sciences Center for Native American Health, the College of Population Health, the Emergency Medical Services Academy, and more.
Other institutions and organizations that have participated in the past include:
- New Mexico State University.
- New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology.
- Navajo Technical University.
- Central New Mexico Community College.
- U.S. Army.
- Philanthropic Educational Organization International.
- National Indian Youth Council.
- New Mexico Workforce Connection.
“I think it’s really important to get a bachelor’s degree or higher because it brings more job opportunities in certain fields, better employability skills and a higher earning potential,” Simms said. “It’s also good to expand your horizons and see what else is out there in the world and gain more experience.”
For more information about the College Transfer & Scholarship Fair, contact Melissa Rodriguez at mrodriq1@gmcs.org or 505-721-4204.