Rep. Babauta’s office hosts NMC, NMTI info session

Northern Marianas College representatives give a presentation on their application processes, available programs, financial aid opportunities, and payment plan options. (Contributed photo)

The Office of Sheila J. Babauta organized last Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021, an information session at the Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School in San Roque focusing on higher education opportunities available in the CNMI.

Both the Northern Marianas College and Northern Marianas Technical Institute provided presentations on their respective application processes, available programs, financial aid opportunities, and payment plan options.

“With no seats left in the cafeteria we were happy to see a wide range of participants that included high school students, recent high school graduates, adults, and families. The event was a huge success,” said Trini Iguel, who is an intern with Babauta’s office and is a recent NMC graduate. Iguel, who helped organize the information session, is currently a student of the University of Alaska, studying Social Work and Criminal Justice.

“We see that requirements are constantly changing in the workplace. In the past, having a high school diploma was sufficient but now, employers are prioritizing those who have a bachelor’s degree or a certification in their trade,” said Iguel. “Hosting this event in the community was our way of giving back and informing constituents about the very affordable higher education outlets that we have on the island.”

Northern Marianas Technical Institute representatives give a presentation on their application processes, available programs, financial aid opportunities, and payment plan options. (Contributed photo)

Babauta said the event aimed to provide access to information and encourage community members to take the next steps to achieving their goals in higher education. “We understand transportation is an issue for many and we try to bridge the gaps by hosting events in the village,” she said.
NMC provided presentations from their University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Admissions, and the Financial Aid office, while NMTI provided a presentation about their overall programs and services. After the event, NMC and NMTI handed out applications and answered questions from the attendees.

For participants who later pursue education at either institutions, NMC agreed to waive application and placement fees for attendees; and NMTI offered to waive late registration fees.

During the event, Iguel surveyed attendees on the types of free classes or programs they would like offered in the villages.

“This is the first step to assisting our community members build on their skills and grow as individuals,” said Babauta. Her office plans to offer a series of free classes to help community members build skills such as resume building, basic computer skills, writing skills, and other classes requested by the community.

The Office of Sheila J. Babauta would like to thank the teams from NMC and NMTI for their partnership in hosting a successful event in the village of San Roque, and a special mention for Jerry Pangelinan (NMTI) and Maria Aguon (NMC).

For more information, contact Babauta’s office via email at rep.sbabauta@gmail.com or phone at 670.287.8151. (PR)