Across Minnesota, school is traditionally out on Thursday and Friday in the course of the third week of October. The long weekend is often often known as the MEA holiday when school is canceled so the state’s teachers can gather for meetings and conferences.

It’s also the weekend when most colleges and universities across Minnesota open their doors for tours and visits by highschool students who’ve days off from class.

On Friday, October 20, Dougherty Family College on the University of St. Thomas will offer juniors and seniors and their families a likelihood to see this unique private college option up close.

“We wish students to know they don’t have to depart town or leave the state to have an awesome, culturally affirming, rigorous, diverse college experience. You’ll be able to have that have and more right here,” said Dr. Buffy Smith, dean of Dougherty Family College.

Since 2017, Dougherty Family College on the University of St. Thomas has offered an inexpensive two-year associate degree program. It’s designed to arrange students to seamlessly transition to a four-year institution to proceed their studies towards a bachelor’s degree, at St. Thomas or one other college or university.

Dougherty Family College students get a variety of priceless freebies: free laptops, tutoring, books, a free bus pass and even free breakfast and lunch. That permits most students to graduate with very low or no student debt.

The Experience DFC event over MEA break takes place from 10 am to 1 pm on the St. Thomas campus in downtown Minneapolis. The day will include a campus tour and a free lunch for college kids and their families.

“We’ll start with an admissions presentation to focus on what makes DFC special and unique. They may get to fulfill professors and our students to listen to what it’s really like,” said Dr. Smith.

Students enrolled at Dougherty Family College learn in small classes where they develop relationships with their professors and mentors in addition to their fellow students, who’re called scholars. Ninety percent of DFC students discover as BIPOC; 80 percent are first-generation college students.

A part of the curriculum at DFC includes paid internships, with students earning between $16 and $22 an hour.

“We address the problem of funds. We’re very intentional about ensuring the services we offer our scholars are free or very inexpensive. Last yr, 70 percent of graduating scholars got here away with a personal school education form the University of St Thomas and 0 student loan debt,” added Dr Smith.

While the open home is geared at prospective students, Dr. Smith assures parents and other caregivers who attend that they, too, may have the prospect to have their questions answered.

“They will consult with our faculty and staff; they’re the engine of Dougherty Family College. We wish families to know who will likely be taking good care of their son and daughter,” she said.

The Oct. 20 DFC tour and luncheon are free for all, but participants are asked to register ahead of time. You’ll be able to try this online at dfc.stthomas.edu/admissions-tuition/visit-us.