While high school juniors and seniors in Dallas County may feel bogged down — balancing their course loads, homework, after school jobs, sporting events, extra curricular activities and finding time for family and friends — the city of Selma is prepared to help both those students and their parents think about investing in their future.

The city of Selma and city council president Corey Bowie are preparing for the 5th annual Gearing up for College seminar, which will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Carl Morgan Convention Center.

The free seminar will give parents and students a chance to get their hands on important information on college admission, priority dates, financial aid, student housing, dual-enrollment and more.

“And this year it’s going to be a lot different than any other year,” Bowie said. “Because this year we’re going to be having a representative from Wallace Community College, also we’re going to have a representative from Concordia and Selma University.”

Bowie said the college representatives will be able to speak with students and parents and answer any questions they may have, and noted there will also be someone from the military and Career Links for people to speak with.

“Not only are we going to talk about the aspects of the education process, but if you don’t want to pursue college, we’re going to give you some other avenues preparing you for the career path,” Bowie said. “It’s very important because they’re preparing for their second half. They’re preparing for their adulthood and what they’re going to do for the rest of their life.”

Bowie encouraged all Dallas County juniors and seniors to attend the seminar and noted it is important for parents of those students to attend as well.

Selma sponsors the conference, Bowie said, because seeing “our students” succeed, “as a city that’s something we believe in.”

“It’s not only preparing our bright minds,” Bowie said. “Because with a better future they can go off to college and come back and become a productive citizen in the city of Selma and Dallas County.”