There are more option other than military—UoG

University of Guam representatives were on island yesterday to persuade CNMI youths and high school seniors to pursue college education without having to worry about finances at the same time.

Dr. Julie Ulloa-Heath, UoG’s dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services, emphasized during yesterday’s “College Night” at the Multi-Purpose Center that it is their prime objective to encourage, motivate, and change the minds of students who plan to hold off college education in favor of pursuing a military career.

She said the huge percentage of students in the CNMI who immediately join the U.S. military is “alarming” and poses a serious concern among the youth.

In yesterday’s session, Ulloa-Heath’s group assisted 12 students look for available financial assistance they can tap in going to UoG; helped them step-by-step in answering the available forms; and provided tips on the courses they may want to take at the university.

Besides the financial aid fair, the group also held three presentations that spanned from 10am and 7pm.

A recent survey conducted by the Northern Marianas College among seniors at the three biggest public high schools on island showed that nearly a hundred students have already made up their mind to join the military so they can immediately bring additional income to their families and be more independent and self-reliant.

Also, based on the Public School System record for school year 2007-2008, about 21 percent or 131 public school graduates joined the military while 44 percent opted to go to college. There were 595 graduates in the last school year.

Dr. Ulloa-Heath said the students need to be informed properly on what are the “other” options available to them after graduation.

She agreed that because of the state of economy, benefits provided by the military sounds “very encouraging” among students.

“We’re here to ultimately motivate them and change their minds from holding off their college degree over the military. If they’re worrying about finances, we’re here to help identify the many sources of funding for their college [education]. It is important that they get their degree first and then they can join and go to the military,” she said.

Among the financial aids available at the University of Guam include the Pell grant, which awards $5,500 per academic year; Stafford loans that provide also $5,500 assistance per student; private scholarships; federal work study program, GovGuam Scholarship program; Board of Regents program; and many others.