Education Expo offers options in learning
KANSAS CITY – Hannibal-LaGrange College (HLG) and Southwest Baptist University (SBU) will be among the institutions attending the 9th annual Christian Education Expo for K-12 through the university level March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Evangel Temple. Admission is free.
Turnout at this education event sponsored by the Metro Voice newspaper continues to reflect interest in private education and the need for an event to help answer the questions that parents and students often have.
The expo typically draws several thousand people who are looking at options for various levels of education. It also appeals to junior and senior students who want to visit with college admission representatives.
“This is a great opportunity for parents to visit with quality schools and meet the teachers and administrators of those schools,” said Anita Widaman, expo coordinator. “It’s really a one-stop shopping experience.”
Widaman, who had a successful 16-year career in public education, said she and her husband, Dwight, founded the expo out of a personal need.
“Just before our children were old enough to begin school, we realized there was not one source for parents to go to for answers to their questions,” she said. “Here I was, an experienced middle-school guidance counselor, and I didn’t know what the best option for my children was.”
Starting in 1999, the expo has brought parents and schools together under one roof.
“Parents need to know that there are many choices for them – homeschooling, private, a combination – and some families are very creative in finding the right fit for their kids,” Widaman said. “It’s all about choices.”
Besides HLG and SBU, some of the other colleges that will be represented include Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., Midwestern Theological Seminary and Oklahoma Baptist University.
Seminars include a panel discussion of parents who have used homeschooling, private education and a combination of the two options. A second seminar is titled “Homeschooling 101 – Where do I Begin.” A third popular seminar helps high school students and parents navigate what can be confusing processes finding and applying for college financial aid.
For more information, visit www.metrovoicenews.com or call (816) 524-4522.