The Herald-Zeitung

The first education fair hosted by the City of New Braunfels and the University of Phoenix drew more than 100 attendees Tuesday.

The focus of the fair was opportunities for adults who might have already attended college but are looking for new ways to further their education.

The booths held information from more than a dozen schools and work force programs.

The fair featured representatives from regional colleges and universities, as well as online schools. Representatives staffed booths for the University of Phoenix, Texas State University, Ashford University, St. Phillip’s College, Our Lady of the Lake University, Concordia University, Mountain State University, University of Texas — San Antonio, Northeast Lakeview College, University of the Incarnate Word, Wayland Baptist University and the Central Texas Technology Center.

They focused on nontraditional course offerings, such as weekend and evening courses and programs, rather than traditional four-year programs.

Heather Harrison, a human resources specialist with the City of New Braunfels, said, “It’s geared more for adults. We have specifically focused on adults looking for an advanced degree or for those out of work.”

Homer R. De La Garza, with Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, was drawing attention to the weekend program the school offers for both a Bachelors of Business Administration and Master’s of Business Administration.

“The opportunity we like about education fairs like this is for people to find new avenues to continue their education. With weekend study, you can maintain a full-time job instead of trying to take night classes,” he said. “They get to find out that there are new ways of doing things.”

Janice Roth, a counselor with the Central Texas Technology Center, reminded prospective students who live in New Braunfels that they don’t have to commute to school anymore.

“We’re out at the New Braunfels Airport,” she said.