The 11^th graders currently enrolled in the Rowan County Crosby Scholars program are special. Nor only are they the program’s first class of juniors, but they’ll also be the program’s first graduating senior class in 2016.

This is an exciting time for these students as they prepare for their futures. There are currently 248 junior Crosby Scholars from all of the traditional Rowan-Salisbury high schools and Rowan County Early College.

These students began this school year by attending the Junior Academy where standardized test professionals from Princeton Review led an informative session on tips and tricks of taking the SAT and ACT. In addition, admission representatives from Livingstone College, Catawba College and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte conducted a “College Admission 101” workshop.

While the Crosby Scholars program works with all middle and high school students, the program incorporates grade advisor meetings for high school students.

Admissions representatives from Catawba College meet with Crosby Scholars’ junior students throughout the school year to talk about topics focused on preparing for college, including standardized test preparation, individualized college searches, finding best college fits and the application and admissions process.

“Working as a Junior Advisor for the Crosby Scholars program is a natural progression for me with working with students in Rowan County,” said Catawba admissions counselor McKenzie Miller.

“It is important for juniors to begin as soon as possible thinking of the most compatible college when taking into consideration: financial, academic and personal aspects. Assisting with the Crosby Scholars advising meetings allows me to help students with the initial steps of their college decision. It is an honor to work one on one with Rowan County students while they go through the process, and help in every way I see fit,” she added.

This spring, Crosby Scholars juniors will be able to go on free college tours through funding from the Salisbury Civitans. On March 31, they will visit Wake Forest and North Carolina Central University, and on April 1, they will visit the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Lenoir Rhyne University.

While on these tours, students will have the opportunity to explore the campuses, attend admissions presentations, have lunch on campus and learn about academic programs and college life.

For more information about Rowan Crosby Scholars, call the organization’s office at 704-762-3512 or visit its website at www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org .