Local high school seniors interested in attending classes at the College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus and wanting to get a head start on the college enrollment process are invited to attend the campus’ Open House event this month.

Designed specifically for Canyon and Golden Valley High School seniors and their parents, this information-packed Open House event is sure to provide the answers to all the questions an incoming freshman at College of the Canyons might have.

The college’s Canyon Country campus Open House will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23 in the campus’ administration quad (quad one). Attendees may park in Lot 3 at no charge.

“Many students are realizing that their senior year of high school is drawing to a close, and that they need to finalize their plans following graduation,” said Dr. Dena Maloney, Founding Dean of the Canyon Country campus. “With our wide range of classes and programs, our convenient campus locations, and the vast number of resources available to help students make the transition from high school to college, College of the Canyons is a fantastic place to continue your education and achieve your academic dreams.”

At the event students will have the chance to meet with administrators as well as representatives from the campus’ counseling, financial aid and student services offices.

Academic counselors will be on hand to discuss available summer school courses while also providing valuable information about concurrent enrollment course options that may exist for the high school student prior to graduation. As a result this event also presents a great opportunity for high school juniors interested in picking up extra credits over the summer to get a head start on the enrollment process.

Students will also be able to make a future appointment with a counselor to begin discussing school and career goals, before selecting a major, determining an appropriate course selection and mapping out a semester - by - semester educational plan.

“College can be a little overwhelming to navigate on your own,” said Liz Shaker, counseling faculty member at the Canyon Country campus. “So our counselors will be on hand to begin helping students make their way through that process.”

Counselors from the financial aid office will also be available to identify the many options available to students and parents seeking financial assistance to help pay for college. Students can also pick up and/or receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and application for a Board of Governors Fee Waiver.

After meeting with counselors, attendees will be able to tour the roughly 40,000-square-foot campus, viewing classrooms, computer and science labs, and the campus’ library, bookstore, physical education building, outdoor amphitheater and early childhood education facility — while gaining a better understanding about the college’s future construction plans.

Though intended primarily for students interested in attending classes in Canyon Country, the event will provide a valuable experience for students interested in attending either College of the Canyons campus.

“Both campuses operate on one system, so no matter where your class is being taken — Canyon Country, Valencia or cyberspace — you’re dealing with one entity that can assist you with all your student needs,” said Maloney.

The Canyon Country campus is located at 17200 Sierra Highway in Canyon Country. For more information about the College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus Open House event call (661) 476-3800.