Although school just started a week ago, experts believe now is the perfect time for potential college students to begin exploring their options.

Next week, local community colleges in Dowagiac and Benton Township will off opportunities for students to do just that. Representatives from several colleges and universities will be available to answer questions, provide information and discuss advantages of their schools on Sept. 21 at LMC and Sept. 23 at SMC.

Lake Michigan College

Lake Michigan College will host its annual College Night on Monday, Sept. 21 at the college’s Napier Avenue campus. Attendees of this free event can meet with representatives from more than 60 colleges and universities throughout the Midwest. College-bound high school students and their parents, returning adult students, and transferring community college students are all encouraged to attend.

“There is so much to consider when choosing where to go to college,” said Vice President of Student Services Clinton Gabbard. “College Night gives local students the opportunity to meet with a number of colleges and decide which ones best meet their needs.”

College Night will be held from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at The Mendel Center’s Grand Upton Hall on LMC’s Napier Avenue campus, at 2755 East Napier Ave. in Benton Harbor. Attendees are encouraged to register for the event at lakemichigancollege.edu/collegenight.

Southwestern Michigan College

Southwestern Michigan College hosts its annual College Night on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Charles O. Zollar Building on the Dowagiac campus.

People are encouraged to enter from Dailey Road.

Scheduled as part of College Night are two financial aid information sessions at 6:45 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary to learn about scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities.

More than 60 institutions are coming from Alabama, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

“We provide information useful to people wherever they go, such as financial aid,” said SMC President Dr. David Mathews. “Even if they still really want to go to Michigan State, they may see how to save a ton of money by starting with us, then transferring. Even if they want a bachelor’s degree in accounting, they may find the way to do that is through the Ferris State University program on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College.

“This is a great service to the community. Come see all of your options side by side. We have longstanding transfer agreements with many of these institutions. They’re as much our educational partners as our competitors.”

College-bound high school students and their parents are encouraged to attend.