Monroe County, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) will host the annual Monroe County College Fair on Thursday, September 18, inviting local students and families to explore higher education options in a welcoming community setting. The event will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Switchyard Park Pavilion, located at 1601 S. Rogers Street in Bloomington.
The college fair is free of charge and open to all area high school students, along with their families, offering a valuable opportunity to meet directly with representatives from more than 20 colleges, universities, and education-focused organizations. From large state universities to smaller liberal arts colleges, the fair is designed to help students compare options, ask questions, and begin shaping their postsecondary plans.
Each participating institution will have a representative available to speak with students one-on-one, offering insight into admissions, scholarships, academic programs, and campus life. Event organizers encourage students to register in advance through www.strivefair.com, which allows colleges to connect with them during and after the fair to share additional information and resources.
This year’s participating colleges and organizations represent a broad mix of institutions across Indiana and beyond, including Ball State University, Butler University, DePauw University, Franklin College, Hanover College, Indiana State University, Indiana Tech, Indiana University, Indiana University–Bloomington, Ivy Tech Community College, Marian University, Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the University of Southern Indiana, the University of Evansville, the University of Indianapolis, Valparaiso University, Vincennes University, Wabash College, and Xavier University. Out-of-state institutions such as the University of Alabama will also be on hand, expanding the range of options available to students.
Additional organizations, such as INvestEd and Class101 – College Planning, will provide guidance and resources for families navigating the complex world of financial aid and application timelines. Their presence highlights the fair’s focus not only on academic choices but also on the practical steps that make higher education attainable.
MCCSC leaders say events like this are an important part of preparing students for the future. The setting at Switchyard Park Pavilion gives students a relaxed and accessible space to ask questions and collect information directly from the people who work in admissions. It also allows families to join in the process, ensuring that students feel supported as they weigh their next steps.
Questions about the event can be directed to Eric Gilpin, MCCSC director of secondary education, at [email protected].
The Monroe County College Fair offers an open door for students beginning their college search, giving them direct access to dozens of schools in one evening. For many families, it represents the first major step in a journey that will shape the next chapter of their child’s education and career.
