After two years of virtual events, the Kern County Superintendent of schools hosted the 23rd Annual Kern County College Night at Mechanics Bank Arena on Sept. 12. 

Several colleges and universities participated in the event, including Bakersfield College, California State University Bakersfield, Taft College, San Joaquin Valley College, California Aeronautical University, and state universities. 

The annual event was a huge opportunity for students to meet and discuss their career goals with representatives from public and private colleges and universities. This event allows students to be exposed to multiple colleges and universities in one setting.

KCCD arranged breakout sessions with college counselors on various topics, including how to get financial aid and scholarships to help students and parents decide which college or university best fits their needs. 

Wendy Ward, the event organizer, says, “this is the largest college night in the state in which over 100 colleges and universities present seminars and workshops.”

Bakersfield College welcomed the students by performing dance art from the Folklorico club. BC also provided info on two programs under the Bakersfield College Kern Promise; Finish-In-4 and Transfer-In-2. Each program is unique in its requirements. Students are then guaranteed admission to CSUB, with a similar major, and will complete an additional 60-semester units to earn a bachelor’s degree! 

Information provided at college night helps students determine which campus lifestyle is best suited for them according to their preferences and needs. They have a chance to meet representatives from universities of the east coast and the west coast, and it opens students’ minds to possibilities they may not have been aware of, according to Ward.