Emily Knight, KPC’s new and first ever recruiter, started her employment on Aug. 1 and hasn’t slowed down since.

Knight comes to the position with skills and experiences that align perfectly with the job. For three years prior to her new position, she was the Kenai Peninsula representative for the Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education. Her role was to raise awareness and encourage Peninsula high school students to pursue higher education.

“I was excited to apply for this job. It allowed me to stay local and aligned well with my last position. My goal continues to be to increase the number of Alaska students who choose to go to college or career school,” Knight said.

Knight has visited the following high schools: Soldotna, Kenai Alternative, Nikiski, Wasilla, Houston, Palmer, Matsu Career Tech and West Anchorage. She is planning visits to Seward and Ninilchik high schools.

“October is a busy month for college recruiters,” Knight said. She will represent KPC at college fairs in Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Sitka, Anchorage and Kenai.

Knight will join other KPC staffers at the annual Elders and Youth Conference, followed immediately by the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, Oct. 17-22 in Fairbanks. KPC, is a good fit for students from rural areas of Alaska and the annual event provides the opportunity to showcase the college.

In November, Knight has college application day events scheduled at Kenai Central, Soldotna and Nikiski high schools.

For more information about the KPC recruiting program, or to request an appointment or site visit, contact Knight at eaknight@alaska.edu or call 262-0373.

Providing students what they need to be successful in college is a KPC priority. The Necessary Education Technology and Skills (NETS) series, launches this week in a six-week workshop format. Everyone ages 18 and above are invited to the free workshops being held from 1-2:30 on each Monday and Wednesday from Oct. 10 through Nov. 16 at the KRC Learning Center (Brockel room 191).

Instructor Terri Cowart will teach students about community service, local resources and career and college awareness.

To register for the workshops, email tcowart@alaska.edu or dttaylor@alaska.edu or call 262-0327. For more information, please refer to the flyer that can be found at this link: http://www.kpc.alaska.edu/files/resources/f16-nets-flyer.jpg

In a community that supports many marine-based businesses, KPC’s Homer campus is a perfect training venue for non-credit workshops in maritime technology. All the KBC workshops require advance registration (call 235-7743).

Fiberglass gel coat repair and restoration will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 14 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 15. The course is provided by Sloth Boatworks and the cost is $65.

Preparation for the U. S. Coast Guard six-pack (OUPV 6-pack) licensing exam will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 20 through Nov. 19. The fee for the course is $150 (not including books).

Maintaining outboard motors, including winterizing and troubleshooting problems, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 21 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 22 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 23. The fee for the workshop is $30.

Understanding marine electronics, including adjusting, tuning and facilitating communications between components will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Dec. 6. The fee for the workshop is $30.

The Kenai River Campus is offering wilderness and remote first aid from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Oct. 15-16. This course is specifically designed to provide first aid skills necessary to respond to emergencies in remote wilderness areas or other situations when traditional EMS is not available (e.g. earthquakes, hurricanes, floods). Open to age 14 or older who hold current adult CPR/AED certification, the course provides a two-year certification from the American Red Cross and the cost is $350.

Also at KRC, a basic CPR/AED course (two-year certification) will be available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 14 at a cost of $85.

Pre-registration is required for both these workshops and space can be reserved by calling 262-0212.

This column is provided by Suzie Kendrick, Advancement Programs Manager at Kenai Peninsula College.