Do you ever feel that it takes a college degree to figure out how to get a college education? Testing, applying, writing essays, deciding -- paying (gasp) -- how scary is that?
Fortunately, there are lots of experts out there to help parents and students make one of the most expensive and most momentous decisions of their lives. They want our kids to go to college, so they're out to make everything as easy as possible.
One very helpful event to help you get the information you need is Fresno Area College Night, which is Wednesday from 6-9 in the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall. I've attended this event before. Be sure to take a tote bag along, you'll come home with gobs and gobs of stuff -- and lots of good information.
We got an e-mail recently from Al Galvez from Pacific Gas and Electric, which co-sponsors the event with the Fresno County Office of Education, telling all about PG&E's interest in it. They, of course, want a great workforce to choose from! About 5,000 people show up for this each year. Pass it on to anyone you think could benefit from it. . .
Living and learning in an eco-friendly world is essential for today's students. Today, energy challenges are making new demands on all of us, demands that include a new high-tech infrastructure, cleaner energy solutions, and innovative environmental and energy efficiency programs, to name a few. But the real key to our success is capitalizing on the energy and power source generated by our valley's students. It is their talent, knowledge and dedication to the environment that will pave the way to a sustainable future. Their success, both as students and stewards of the environment, will determine our success in achieving these goals. To that end, Pacific Gas and Electric Company is proud to partner with the Fresno County Office of Education to sponsor Fresno Area College Night for the 6th consecutive year. Above all, we believe in the power of a good education and that all students deserve a chance to achieve their dreams.
Fresno Area College Night sets the stage for that success and will take place on September 10, 2008, from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall. More than 100 colleges and universities from around the nation will convene to help families learn about college options, money matters, the application process and much, much more. Breakout sessions designed to answer college planning questions, scholarship and financial planning workshops will be offered in English, Spanish and Hmong. As 5,000 students and their parents converge onto the floor of the Exhibit Hall, college reps, school officials, business and community leaders will also unite to support this pursuit of excellence. As a business executive, the sight of these students, each filled with promise and potential, is both humbling and encouraging. Imagine what might happen if each of them were to realize their dreams and achieve their academic potential. Their impact would be felt for generations to come.
This year's theme, "Go to College and Go Green," underscores our commitment to California's future. A vibrant economy, a clean environment and strong communities are all part of our vision. As we have for more than 100 years, we are looking to Fresno County and all of our communities in California for the next generation of leaders at
PG&E. A college education can be one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences a student will ever have, while also building a foundation for a successful, fulfilling career. We believe in cultivating that talent. And we are optimistic that many of these young adults will retain their local roots, find rewarding jobs and careers, right here in the central valley. We also hope some of them will join the PG&E family.
As as environmental leader, PG&E seeks innovative ways to exceed current standards of environmental protection through programs that foster environmental excellence, while achieving success in competitive markets. The company's environmental performance is a key driver of customer satisfaction, it makes good sense and it's the right thing to do.
While College Night 2008 goes green, so should the rest of us. How? Here are some simple and doable examples:
• Plant for the planet. Planting a tree in your yard will help cool your house with shade in the summer, help block cold winds in the winter, and help clean the air all at the same time.
• Replace light bulbs. Compact Fluorescent (CFL) bulbs last up to ten times longer than regular incandescent bulbs and use 75% less energy.
• Wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible
• Set our thermostats appropriately. Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer will save energy and save money on the utility bills. Everyone wins.
• Use public transportation, carpool, walk or bike. Cars add significantly to the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and smog.
• Turn off computers when they are not in use. If you turn your computer off once you are done using it you will save energy and an average of $90 a year on your electricity bill.
As you can see, the opportunities are endless. Each of us can make a difference.
We invite you to join us at the 25th Annual Fresno Area College Night, where your presence, whether you are a student or parent, will be the first step on a journey towards a brighter, and greener future. We look forward to seeing you!
The most economical way to go to college is city college for 2 years and transfer. Our son had smaller classes and full professors teaching him at Fresno City before he transferred to UC Davis with straight A's and no debt. The Air Force paid for his medical school He owes them 4 years then he's debt free with a great education. Not bad
Thankfully I have a couple more years before we need to make decisions.