NHI to host 2021 Virtual College Fair and Expo on Feb. 2

The National Hispanic Institute is presenting a Digital College Fair and Expo event on Tuesday, Feb. 2, geared for all NHI students looking to investigate their college choices and learn more about the college application process. 

This QR code will take you to the registration page.

“Whether you are just starting your college search or trying to wrap it up, this is a great opportunity to connect with institutions who hope to bring more NHIers to their campus communities,” said Alma Raymer, Associate Director for Enrollment & Institutional Relations for NHI. 

The College Fair, taking place from 4-6 pm CT, will largely follow the online format of this past summer’s Digital College Fairs. It could involve as many as 50 different colleges and universities, with students getting the opportunity to video conference with representatives from those schools. 

The day features a packed schedule of information sessions, with experts brought together by NHI to answer student questions about higher education. Students can attend the 3 pm CT session and choose between the two sessions offered at 6 pm CT and 7 pm CT. 

Parents and other family members are also welcome to attend the sessions. 

3-4 pm CT

Leveraging LinkedIn & Social Media: Building Your Virtual Professional Profile & Network

This session — led by Andrea Medina, an NHI alumna currently working with LinkedIn, and Karly Brockett from College Board — is geared toward helping students learn how to best leverage LinkedIn and social media platforms for professional development, internships, and future career opportunities.

6-7 pm CT

HSIs: What are Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) & Why They May Be a Good Option for Your Student

NHI alumnus (and Distinguished Alumnus Award Winner) Omar Yanar and the University of Texas at Arlington’s Marco Flores will share hosting duties for this session, which explains what Hispanic Serving Institutions are, as well as providing some perspectives on different HSI institutions that partner with the National Hispanic Institute. 

Digital Admissions: Demonstrated Interest

This session aims to explore demonstrated interest and how can it be used to your advantage in the college admissions process, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The workshop will provide attendees with tools, tips, and tricks to use demonstrated interest to their advantage in the admissions and enrollment process. The panel includes Caroline Randall of St. John’s College (recently featured in an NHI College Register spotlight on NHIMagazine.com), Lateishia Spencer of Sewanee: The University of the South, Stephanie Sahler of McDaniel College, and Juan Acosta of Westminister Schools serving in a moderator role. 

7-8 pm CT

College Search 101

This session provides an overview of the college search process, including highlighting different types of institutions (including research institutions, liberal arts institutions, and women’s & men’s colleges), and detailing and navigating through resources for finding the right college. The session, which will also include some time for questions from attendees, includes Randall and Flores (also participating in 6 pm panels), Martha Herrera from the University of Northern Colorado, and Rebeca Hernandez from DePaul University, moderated by SureScore CEO Roy Nieto. 

Early Decision & Early Action: How to Leverage Yourself as an Applicant

This session discusses the benefits of early applications for various higher education institutions, and will cover evaluating published acceptance rates, financial aid and scholarship consideration for earlier applicants. It will engage participants in critical thought about the nuance of what reported acceptance rates mean, as well as the requirements of students who apply under Early Decision and Early Action deadlines. While it is geared towards high school juniors and underclassmen and their parents, all are welcome. Panelists include Mary Randers from Willamette University (recently featured in a recent NHI College Register Spotlight article), Christine Bowman from Southwestern University, Hosman Uraga-Barba from Elizabethtown College, and Elyan Paz from Macalester College, with NHI alumna Marisa Zepeda moderating. 

The day will also include professional development opportunities for NHI’s partners in secondary & higher education, scheduled from 10-11 am CT, coordinated by NHI Founder and President Ernesto Nieto and NHI Senior Vice President Chris Nieto. 

To register, visit the online registration page and click the corresponding button to get started. Please contact collegefairs@nhimail.com for specific questions regarding the program.