Future Center provides link to life after high school days

October 19, 2009 • Liz Peoples  
Filed under News

With the school year under way, students, especially upperclassmen, have begun to think about the future. The task of looking at and applying to colleges seems daunting, studying for the ACT and SAT is stressful and maintaining all the other aspects of their life appears near impossible. The new Future Center, headed by Kent Child, is just what those people are looking for.

“We help plan for the year after high school, what we call the 13th year,” said Child. This entails researching schools students may want to apply to, preparing for various tests, providing information on scholarships, joining the military and studying abroad, and learning how to get into athletics in college.

This is the first year of the program for Summit. Bend High is in its fifth year, and Mountain View is in its third.

To help pick out a school, there are several processes to go through. For instance, there are personality tests to see what fields one could do well in and schools that offer programs that benefit such a route.

“Juniors should start narrowing it down what they’re interested in, and for seniors, it’s crunch time,” said Child.

When looking at schools, likes and dislikes are a major factor. You must like, if not love, what college you choose. This includes the campus, dorms, teachers and the overall feel of the school.

“When visiting a school, there is the ‘ah’ and the ‘ick’ factor,” says Child. “If you get the ‘ick’ feeling, then you know that school is not for you, but when you feel that sense of home then you should definitely pursue that school.”

The Future Center also has catalogs and brochures from in state, out-of-state and private schools that show what is offered.

Child is not the only one who helps students.

“We have volunteers come in and help,” said Child. Most of the volunteers are parents of current students, like Maureen Vega.

“Typically I’m here for a couple hours, and try to help as many students as I can,” said Vega, “it is a great program for students that want to be prepared.”