Representatives of more than 100 colleges to visit DODDS-Europe schools

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Students wrestling over which colleges to apply to might be wise to attend the Kaiserslautern military community’s "College Night" on Thursday.

And servicemembers interested in higher education opportunities, especially since the passage of the new GI Bill, will have one-stop shopping at the annual event.

In its 12th year, the Kaiserslautern "College Night" will host representatives from about 120 accredited colleges and universities. The free event, open to all U.S. identification card holders, takes place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Special Events Center (Building 237) on Rhine Ordnance Barracks, according to a U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern press release.

From A (Auburn University) to Y (Yale University), schools from throughout the United States will have folks on hand to talk about their programs, tuition and the like. Often alumni living in the area will man booths for their alma maters.

Scholarship and financial aid agencies will be on hand as well. Representatives from the service academies and military recruiters will also be present for one of the largest events of its kind for Americans in Europe.

"We’re in a different environment where students can’t hop in a car and go visit colleges," said Lynn Rice, U.S. Army Garrison-Kaiserslautern’s school liaison officer. "Since they can’t do that, we do what we can for the students."

In addition to high school students, the garrison invites all U.S. ID cardholders wanting to further their education to attend, Rice said.

For students not ready to leave Europe, plenty of schools on this side of the Atlantic Ocean are also scheduled to attend the event.

The Kaiserslautern College Night has expanded significantly since last year when it hosted 85 schools and only lasted 90 minutes.

More than 1,200 students, parents, guidance counselors and teachers from DODDS and international schools throughout Germany, Belgium and Italy attended the event.

Officials are strongly encouraging participation from other military schools in Europe. Middle school students also may attend.

Seemore about College Night, including a list of participating colleges and universities, here.

Upcoming DODDS-Europe college fair schedule

Alconbury High School – Dec. 16

Ankara Unit School – TBD

Aviano High School – Oct. 29

Incirlik Unit School – TBD

Lajes Unit School – Oct. 16

Lakenheath High School – Nov. 19

Naples High School – Oct. 15

Rota High School – Nov. 12

Sigonella High School – Oct. 29