By Tori Wittenbrock
Intern
GREEN BAY – After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, College Draft Day, hosted by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), will finally reclaim its spot on the fourth floor of the Lambeau Field Atrium April 22.
More than one hundred local high school students – from Marinette, Manitowoc Lincoln, Luxemburg-Casco, Green Bay East, Green Bay West, Green Bay Southwest, Preble, John Dewey Academy of Learning and NEW School of Innovation – will have the opportunity to participate in the free event and be inspired by homegrown Green Bay Packers player and Bay Port High School graduate Cole Van Lanen.
“We are so excited to be able to offer the Draft Day program once again,” UWGB Executive Director of Admissions Rachele Bakic said. “We join with the Packers in recognizing that learning never stops. This is an incredible opportunity for high school students to explore higher education through interactive and dynamic activities and to continue their path to never stop learning.”
While the concept is relatively the same, the UWGB Draft Day doesn’t involve sports like the name is often known for, but rather academics.
The day will consist of exposure to opportunities and information about higher education, specifically for students of historically under-represented demographics and first-generation college applicants.
Prospective students will also receive individual advice from an admissions counselor.
Students in pursuit of a higher education can get information about the college application process, financial aid and the experiences as well as opportunities that accompany being a college student, including student organizations, activities, intramurals and housing/dining.
“We are always proud to provide an opportunity for students to seek higher education, and especially excited to do so at Lambeau Field,” Jennifer Jones, UWGB assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services, said. “We hope students leave Draft Day inspired to invest in their future by exploring their options in higher education.”
Jones said students will engage in not only informational, but also interactive experiences, such as Jeopardy, bag toss, tabletop field goal competitions and even interactions and a photo with Van Lanen, who will also speak during the event.
To commemorate the experience, Bakic said each student will sign a “letter of intent,” which solidifies the students’ investment in their dedication to higher education.
She said Van Lanen will join the students and sign a letter alongside them.
This year, there will also be a newly featured panel of UWGB alumni, one of which now has a successful career working for Netflix.
“Draft Day will be an exciting opportunity for students to engage in experiences and learn more about Higher Education,” Bakic said. “New to the event this year, will be the opportunity for students to network with some UW-Green Bay alumni and hear directly from them about their college experiences and career paths.”
For more information on the event, contact UWGB Assistant Director of Marketing and University Communication Sue Bodilly at [email protected] or (920) 465-5502, or visit news.uwgb.edu.