TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Standing on its commitment to provide resources and opportunities to rural communities, The University of Alabama hosted 20 high school counselors from rural Alabama for a two-day event to learn more about the college experience at the Capstone.
Through the support of the STARS College Network, UA hosted the Counselor Drive-In Feb. 24-25 that provided insights into educational opportunities, campus life and other resources available to UA students.
“The STARS Drive-in allows counselors from both rural and small towns to experience a day at The University of Alabama and provides in-depth exposure with all the colleges and programs that their students can be involved in at The Capstone,” said Jim Landers, executive director of undergraduate admissions at UA. “Additionally, we can promote all the academic support services their students will need at a four-year institution.”
The STARS College Network is a coalition of 32 of the nation’s most prominent institutions dedicated to ensuring that students from rural and small-town communities have the resources they need to be successful throughout their college journey. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 70% of Alabama high schools serve rural or small-town communities, and efforts to help these students get the greatest benefit from higher education will create a virtuous cycle of support, success and giving back to the next generation.
Akeshia Valrie, a school counselor at Russell County High School, described the STARS Drive-In as an invaluable experience given the distance between her high school and the University, and being able to learn more first-hand on campus.
“Learning more about the campus, programs offered and student life will be beneficial when I get ready talk to the students who are interested in attending UA,” said Valrie.
In addition to the Counselor Drive-In, UA engages with rural high school students and counselors through in-person visits, on-campus events and virtual webinars.
“Alabama has always been great to our students,” said Laura Lou Smith, school counselor at Athens High School. “The admissions department works well with us. They’re always very responsive when we call, and our students have had great experiences both visiting and on campus as students.”
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and over 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.