Kayla Mere, an Outreach Specialist from Outreach Services at Palomar College visited SIATech North County Independent Study (NCIS) High School in Oceanside on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was accompanied by Emily, a Palomar student and Palomar Ambassador from Outreach Services. Kayla and Emily were exciting, dynamic, and enthusiastic, connecting with our students and representing Palomar College in such a way that it was easy for NCIS students to envision themselves at college.
They showcased degree, certificate, and apprenticeship programs at Palomar, while also providing detailed information on academics, admissions, financial aid, student support, and student life at Palomar College. They highlighted the Palomar Promise supporting free attendance at the college, while discussing FAFSA, the Dream Act, and scholarship opportunities.
Kayla and Emily were also able to knowledgeably address student questions about participation in Athletics at Palomar – offering the exciting news that Palomar will have a new stadium and be able to host home games at the college for the first time.They also addressed student questions regarding the firefighting program, the music program, the Mandarin and Arabic language offerings, the real estate program, the food in the cafeteria (special appreciation from Emily for the coffee and pastries) as well as offerings in the field of data and analytics.
Emily shared with students that even though she had completed Algebra II in high school her first college level Algebra class was very difficult. However, she found a study group and attended tutoring at Palomar and is now enjoying a higher-level Statistics course. Kayla shared information with NCIS students about the Associate Degree for Transfer and the Private University TAG program supporting Palomar students in earning their two-year associates degree and then continuing their education through articulation agreements with CSU, UC, and Private (as well as out of state options) universities.
They finished their presentation by highlighting opportunities for campus tours and showcasing the Palomar Planetarium. Kayla and Emily were well informed and able to support our NCIS students to become more knowledgeable and more curious about college and career opportunities.