College Fair 2007

The United States Embassy hosted College Fair 2007 from September 29-30 in the gymnasium of the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) and a mini-fair on October 1 at the Gulf City Lowlands Mall in Tobago. The program was a resounding success and an excellent outreach tool, running 9 a.m. to noon and 3-6 p.m. on both days in Trinidad, and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:00 p.m. in Tobago.  It attracted the usual large crowd of over 2,000 visitors in Trinidad and over 400 in Tobago. 

For the first time in its history, ISPS collaborated with us in the organization of the event in Trinidad, which was formally opened by Deputy Chief of Mission, Len Kusnitz, at a reception on September 28. Among the dignitaries present were the Executive Director for Corporate Strategy in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, Keith Jackson, who delivered the feature address on behalf of the Minister. He joined Mr. Kusnitz and the Principal of the High School and Acting Director of the ISPS, John Horsfall, in the ribbon-cutting to open the Fair. After the official proceedings, guests were invited to view the booths of the participating colleges during which refreshments were served. The Ambassador attended the Fair on September 29.

Fifty-one American colleges and universities from a variety of geographic areas and representing many types of institutions – from liberal arts colleges to large state institutions, including institutions based in small towns, in rural areas and in big cities – participated, giving prospective students information on admissions, coursework, financial aid and campus life issues. Also at the Fair were the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in Barbados; the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education; The University of the West Indies (UWI); The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT); the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC); the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT); and the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality & Tourism Institute (TTHTI). The Organization of American States (OAS) promoted the interest-free loan offerings of “The Rowe Fund,” while a Consular officer from the U.S. Embassy answered questions for two full days, and IRC staff handled the EducationUSA table.

This was the sixth college fair organized by the Embassy’s IRC since 1996 in Trinidad, and the second in Tobago, with twenty U.S. institutions, COSTAATT and a Consular Officer. As in the past, the program proved to be an excellent outreach mechanism. Representatives of participating institutions praised both the organization and the quality of the prospective students from Trinidad and Tobago.