Area students to visit South

   Juniors and seniors from Trimble Tech and Polytechnic high schools will have an opportunity to visit the South Campus to get a feel for what college life is all about.

   Tarrant County College is participating in House Bill 400. The plan is to increase enrollment in post-secondary institutions from low-performing local high schools.

   These schools were identified by the Texas Education Agency as having low participation in higher education following graduation.

   Although these schools may not be low performing now, the scores were reviewed during the 1995-1999 academic years.

   When the 300 Trimble Tech students arrive on the South Campus Friday, Feb. 14, they will be welcomed at a reception in the Rotunda. Dr. Ernest Thomas, South Campus president, will welcome the students with a brief speech.

   The students will then be divided up into groups of 20 and taken to three different mock courses.

   They will each have an opportunity to learn about technical, humanities and business or science classes.

   The students will get a fun, yet comprehensive overview of what to expect in that field, Karen Evans, academic advisor, said.

   Following their classes, they will be treated to a catered lunch in the Student Union Building. There they will have an opportunity to browse through several information booths offering advice on scholarships, early high school enrollment and financial aid.

   College representatives will be present to answer questions.

   This is TCC's first year to participate in this program, Evans said.

   "The more these students are exposed to secondary education, the less frightening it will seem," she said.

   The program is currently being practiced in the Houston area as well.

   Tech students will be on campus from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Polytechnic students will be visiting the South Campus Friday, March 28.