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Back to School

Ferris program sends students back to their hometowns

by Published: Dec 1, 2010

Ferris’ Hometown Recruiters pro­gram is giv­ing stu­dents a chance to bring col­lege life to their local high school.

During Christmas break, stu­dents will travel back to their home­town high schools and com­mu­nity cen­ters to dis­cuss their per­sonal col­lege experiences.

Restaurant and food indus­try man­age­ment major Greg Priester said the pro­gram gives high school stu­dents a chance to learn about col­lege life.

“I feel like it’s a unique pro­gram where stu­dents get to go back home and tell their high schools what they think about Ferris,” said Priester. “They may not know all the options that are out there.”

Admissions recruiter Amber Balmer said the pro­gram was cre­ated to allow Ferris stu­dents to recon­nect with their home­town com­mu­nity. Balmer said many high school stu­dents find choos­ing the right col­lege overwhelming.

“Students can talk about their major, why they chose Ferris, how they applied for finan­cial aid, liv­ing on cam­pus, a reg­is­tered stu­dent orga­ni­za­tion and much more,” said Balmer.

Students in the Hometown Recruiters pro­gram will earn com­mu­nity ser­vice hours for their time spent at their high schools. Balmer said out-of-state stu­dents are also wel­comed to par­tic­i­pate in the program.

“It gives Ferris stu­dents the oppor­tu­nity to give back, and, in a way, men­tor the stu­dents from their home­town high schools,” said Balmer.

Last year, approx­i­mately 50 stu­dents were involved in Hometown Recruiters. This year, Balmer said Ferris plans on increas­ing stu­dent involvement.

“It is a great way for Ferris to show off the suc­cess of its stu­dents and for our stu­dents to be proud of what they accom­plish and to share that with oth­ers,” said Balmer.

Priester said he feels high school stu­dents will value the opin­ions of col­lege stu­dents from their hometown.

“It’s impor­tant to learn from a student’s per­spec­tive,” said Priester.

Balmer said she agrees high school stu­dents enjoy learn­ing about col­lege from uni­ver­sity students.

“Although stu­dents always value the opin­ions of adults, it’s always nice to hear it from some­one who was in your shoes not so long ago,” said Balmer.

Ferris’ admis­sions depart­ment is also plan­ning to make Hometown Recruiters an RSO. The RSO would be a year-long recruit­ing effort allow­ing stu­dents to cre­ate their own programs.

Students can con­nect to the Hometown Recruiters group on OrgSync for upcom­ing recruit­ment events and infor­ma­tional sessions.

For more infor­ma­tion on Ferris’ Hometown Recruiters pro­gram, con­tact Amber Balmer at ext. 3961. n

Going Back to High School: The Ferris’ Hometown Recruiters program is giving college students the opportunity to share their college experiences with their local high school. Students who participate will earn community service hours.  Photo By: Kate Dupon | Photo Editor

Going Back to High School: The Ferris’ Hometown Recruiters pro­gram is giv­ing col­lege stu­dents the oppor­tu­nity to share their col­lege expe­ri­ences with their local high school. Students who par­tic­i­pate will earn com­mu­nity ser­vice hours. Photo By: Kate Dupon | Photo Editor