The 27th annual Medina County College, Tech, and Trade Fair was held on Wednesday, October 9, at the Medina Fairgrounds Community Center. Eighty-two colleges and career-enhancing (military, trade, manufacturing, and resource) organizations from Ohio and nearby states participated. More than 300 students, parents, and educators also attended. In addition, helpful financial aid information was offered to all families in attendance.
Listed below are some selected comments received this year from participating organization representatives:
- Very nice fair! The families were great and everyone was nice!
- It was a great opportunity to speak with a unique age group that we try to target. Participants were very friendly and asked some good questions.
- Very friendly and welcoming volunteers.
- I loved having the stamper!
- Great job and staff was outstanding!
- Thank you for having me! Great conversations with students!
An exciting new feature this year was the student “Education Passport.” The names of the first 18 organizations that registered, as well as a blank “free space,” were included on this Bingo-type card. Students took their card to the participating exhibitors’ tables, and after asking a question of the exhibitor, had it stamped. Upon completing the passport, students turned it in and received a prize from the ESC of Medina County.
StriveScan was an optional feature again this year. It provides student-scanning technology and enables students to quickly provide their information to colleges. During the fair, students who opted to use StriveScan showed their barcode to organization representatives, who then scanned it to send students more information about their schools. The day after the fair, students received a report with information on the organizations with whom they scanned.
We thank Medina County high school guidance counselors for their support in planning this event and for their commitment to furthering the education and career development of our county’s students. We also express our appreciation to the personnel at the Medina County Community Center for their on-site assistance. In addition, we commend the 17 students from the Medina County Career Center for volunteering their time to assist as ushers.
The fair was coordinated by the Educational Service Center of Medina County and Medina County Economic Development Corporation. It was authorized by the Ohio Association for College Admission Counselors.