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School system adds career coach
By Michael Butler
Taking the next step after high school requires getting your steps in order before graduation. The process, whether preparing for college or the workforce, can be daunting.
Tallassee High School has added a new career coach to assist. Phillip Nelson has assumed the position. He started work on Nov. 7.
"(The state) is funding the position for each school system," Tallassee City Schools superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said. "We are very fortunate to get the key to the labrynth, Mr. Nelson. He understands the post-secondary part."
Nelson, a Tallassee High School and AUM graduate, spent 24 years in financial aid in the Auburn University system.
"I was at Auburn about 10 years and moved to AUM. One of the things that excites me is being on this side - trying to help students realize that college is possible."
With the assistance of the guidance counselor department, Nelson plans for one-on-one interaction with students.
"We're planning on having an individual meeting with every senior," he said. "There are so many aspects to scholarships. We want to help students figure out what is there best path."
For high school seniors, a prerequisite for college applications is FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Nelson conducted a FAFSA College Night on Monday, Nov. 14.
"We helped a lot of families," said Nelson. "That's your federal money when you go to college. It's an initiative to give more people the opportunity to go to school."
Another FAFSA event for seniors and their parents will be on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Career Center.
Nelson encourages anyone with questions to contact him by e-mail: phillip.nelson@tcschools.com.
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