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More than 150 high school seniors from Crawford County spent April 8 at Lincoln Trail College exploring their next steps during the college’s annual Senior Start Day.
Students from the county’s four high schools took part in a day designed to introduce them to college life, career options and financial decision-making.
The event began with check-in and a welcome session in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater before students moved into a college and career fair in the gym. There, they connected with faculty and staff to learn about academic programs, financial aid, student organizations and campus resources. Students also had the opportunity to schedule advising appointments and ask questions about their future plans.
A new addition to this year’s event was the Reality Store, organized by the Crawford County Business Women. The interactive experience gave students a glimpse into real-world financial responsibilities.
Each student received a simulated paycheck and visited a series of booths representing common expenses such as housing, transportation and daily living costs. Some stops offered unexpected financial gains, while others required students to make difficult spending decisions.
“The Reality Store gives students a hands-on way to understand what financial responsibility really looks like,” said Lincoln Trail College President Tona Ambrose. “We’re especially thankful to Fayrene Wright, Lisa Schaefer and all of the community volunteers who helped make this experience possible for our students.”
Following the fair, students rotated through three sessions that included the Reality Store, a campus tour, a student panel and group discussions focused on their post-graduation plans.
Students were divided into groups based on their intended paths, including those planning to attend Lincoln Trail College or another Illinois Eastern Community Colleges campus, those heading to a different two-year or four-year institution, and those entering the workforce, the Armed Forces or still undecided.
Each group participated in tailored conversations and activities designed to meet them where they are and provide relevant information for their next steps.
“Senior Start Day is about helping students see their options and feel confident in what comes next,” Ambrose said. “Whether they choose LTC, another college or a different path, we want them to leave with a better understanding of the opportunities in front of them.”
The day concluded with lunch on campus, giving students additional time to connect with peers and reflect on what they learned.
