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For many high school students, figuring out what comes after graduation can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to financial aid and college planning. A community event this month aims to bring those answers into one place.
The “Thrive Beyond” event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Mayfield High School. Organizers say the goal is to give students and families direct access to the information and support they need to move forward after high school.
“This is about making sure students know they have options,” said Diego Acosta, from FirstLight Federal Credit Union, who is helping organize the event. “A lot of times, the process can feel confusing, so we want to make it easier for them to take that next step.”
More than 15 community partners are expected to participate, offering one-on-one assistance with FAFSA completion, scholarship applications and financial aid questions. Representatives from colleges, trade schools, and local organizations will also be on site.
Rather than asking students to navigate multiple systems on their own, the event brings those resources together in a single setting. That approach is especially important for first-generation students and families who may be unfamiliar with the process.
“We want families to feel comfortable asking questions and getting help,” said Dora Almanzar, a financial aid advisor at DACC. “When everything is in one place, it takes away some of that stress.”
In addition to financial aid support, attendees will have access to career resources, community services, and information on housing and food assistance. Organizers said the event is designed to meet students where they are, whether they are planning to attend college, enter the workforce or explore other pathways.
The event will also offer bilingual support in English and Spanish to better serve the local community. Officials say efforts like this are part of a broader push to expand outreach beyond college campuses and connect directly with students at their schools.
“We want them to leave with something concrete,” Diego Acosta said. “Whether that’s finishing their FAFSA or just understanding what their options are, the goal is to make sure they feel prepared.”
