Lincoln County 9th Graders Explore Career Possibilities at Gaston College
For six years, Gaston College has been welcoming Lincoln County high school students for an annual field trip, offering a glimpse into the diverse educational opportunities available across our campuses in Dallas, Lincolnton, and Belmont.
Jennifer Nichols, Vice President of Educational Partnerships and Enrollment Management at Gaston College, has witnessed the program’s evolution since its inception. “This special partnership between Gaston College and Lincoln County schools,” Nichols explains, “usually spans two days for one grade level, giving students a chance to explore the opportunities we offer here at Gaston College.”
This year, on November 13 and 14, Gaston College, in collaboration with Lincoln County Schools and the Lincoln Economic Development Association, welcomed around 675 ninth graders from East Lincoln, Lincolnton, North Lincoln, and West Lincoln high schools.
Nichols emphasizes the unique nature of this experience: “This is a special opportunity for high school students to get a hands-on experience of programs offered here at Gaston.” Over two days, students dive into 20 different sessions, each highlighting program offerings available across all three campus locations. It’s a whirlwind tour designed to spark interest and ignite passions.
As the program enters its sixth year, it continues to evolve. “The program has definitely been improved and tweaked over the years,” Nichols reflects. “We are fortunate to have partners like LEDA who fund lunch for students. This allows the groups to stay on our campus long enough to touch, see, and feel all that the College has to offer.”
The impact of these tours seems clear, as more Lincoln County high school students are choosing Gaston College as their next step. In fall 2023, 15.2 percent of Lincoln County high school graduates enrolled at Gaston College upon graduation – a more than 3% increase from 2021.
Seeing how these tours can spark new interests and create momentum for students to continue their education after high school is just one of the things that makes this event such a success.
