Fair to offer information on Christian colleges

At least 20 Christian colleges will be represented Sept. 29 at the National Christian College Fair at Augusta Christian Schools' gymnasium.

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"Augusta Christian Schools provides a National Christian College Fair for students in the CSRA in the fall each year," said Cheryl Dryzga, a guidance counselor at the school. "The fair is organized by the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals.

"NACCAP consists of more than 250 schools, colleges, universities, graduate schools and seminaries that have come together to promote the vision of Christian higher education. They firmly stand for the mission of integrating faith and learning."

Augusta Christian was the site of the Christian College Fair in the 1990s, but without a full-time guidance counselor, the school could not play host to the event. In 2002, when Dryzga came onboard, the fair was reinstated.

"A Christian College Fair is a great way to provide ACS students and the community access to smaller, and possibly lesser-known colleges," said Dryzga. "A Christian college can provide challenging academics, smaller class sizes, a sense of community, competitive financial aid packages and integrates Christian principles into the overall environment."

More than 200 students and community members typically attend the fair, which includes a financial aid workshop, Dryzga said. Admission is free, with students and their parents leaving with resources regarding Christian colleges. Students can easily interact with college representatives because of the small environment.

"Augusta Christian is looking forward to hosting the 2008 National Christian College Fair," said Dryzga. "Students are waiting for the fair to come to our campus so they may find out more about the opportunities that Christian colleges provide, and the Christian College Fair also provides access to colleges that students may otherwise not visit. The College Fair is a service to Augusta Christian families, local churches and other schools."

Representatives will be available 6:30-8:30 p.m. The financial aid workshop will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Individuals who have an interest in attending a Christian college are encouraged to attend the fair.

For a list of colleges that will be represented at the fair, visit the ACS Web site, www.augustachristian.org. For more information, call Dryzga at (706) 863-2905, ext. 137.