Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department shares three upcoming events to help students plan for next steps after high school

District 88’s mission is to work for the continuous improvement of student achievement.

As part of our focus to help accomplish that mission, the Willowbrook Guidance Department shares information about three upcoming events to assist students with their post-high school plans.

Options Fair
Willowbrook and Addison Trail students with IEPs and 504 plans and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the West Suburban Options Fair Consortium’s 4th Annual Options Fair.

The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 21 at Lyons Township High School South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road in Western Springs. The Options Fair is for high school and transition-age students with all levels of special needs and their families. The goal is to connect students and their families with resources that are essential for their future. The program is free to the public, and no pre-registration is required.

Representatives in post-secondary education, alternative education and agencies will be present. Programs in the following areas will be presented: post-secondary education, alternative educational opportunities, employment services, vocational day programs, government programs, legal resources, recreational opportunities, residential resources and health resources. There also will be breakout strands with information about college-degree-earning programs, college experience/certificate programs and adult agencies. Each session will provide a 15-minute overview of the respective topic.

For more information about the fair, including a complete schedule, go to www.optionsfair.org.

College of DuPage events
Another upcoming event to benefit students is Junior/Senior Night at College of DuPage (COD). That event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 in the McAninch Arts Center. There will be breakout sessions on Admissions & Outreach, Center for Access & Accommodations, Financial Assistance & Scholarships, Spanish Information Session, STEM Programs and Transfer Opportunities. This is a great event for students who plan to attend COD. For more information, go to https://cod.edu/admission/visit_cod/junior-senior-night.aspx.

COD also will host a College Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 15 in the Physical Education Center. More than 200 college/university representatives will be present to assist students who are starting the college process or narrowing down their options. For more information, go to https://cod.edu/admission/visit_cod/college-fair.aspx.