We want you to stay local and attend your local university!

We try to stay positive, but I know there’s plenty of uncertainty and disappointment around us today. One group that may be feeling some uncertainty is our high school seniors. End-of-year traditions have been upended, commencements canceled or converted to virtual, and friendships moved online.

For those planning to attend a four-year university in the fall, there are many plans that are being reconsidered. This pandemic is a test that these students couldn’t have expected.

Fortunately, there’s an amazing local option. One of the best in the state. Here on the North Coast, students have a four-year university right here and near their home. I can confidently say to students and their families that Humboldt State University is worth a look, or maybe a second look. While we’ve always been a great choice for many local students, we’re even better today in the midst of partial shutdowns or flare-ups of sickness around the country that may continue for many months.

Students and parents consider this: If you are looking for one of the best programs in any science or natural resource you have it right here at Humboldt. If you are seeking to explore your artistry, dance, humanity, or desire to help others, then those incredible programs are right here at Humboldt. If you want to be a teacher, well HSU was founded as a school to train teachers long ago. If you want to explore your entrepreneurial side in business, why leave when an outstanding opportunity is right here in the Humboldt business program? Lastly, if you are seeking a faculty that understands this area and is focused on you, the student, then look no further. It is right here at Humboldt.

In staying local, students and parents can remain closer to each other — which I know is important during this time of uncertainty. At Humboldt new local freshmen are now guaranteed a Humboldt First Scholarship. For those wanting to live on campus, there’s a housing scholarship. Plus, we recently extended the deadlines so that local students still have time to apply. I would call this an opportunity. As a parent, I would tell my son or daughter to really think about it.

More than 200 local high school seniors have been admitted and say they’re interested in the Humboldt First Scholarship. We can offer more. It’s available to every new freshmen from the four-county region of the North Coast, and is worth $4,000 over four years. The housing scholarship, if a student decides to live on campus, is worth $1,000 each year in the residence halls.

To make sure you have the information you need, we’ll soon host a special online Spring Preview just for local students. It’s scheduled for May 1, and more information is available from the Office of Admissions at admissions.humboldt.edu.

I’ve gotten to know many of you in our community and I’ve been able to meet many of the students at the high schools. The North Coast is a special place. It has a bright future and is filled with opportunity. It also has the advantage of being a place where local students can stay close to home while pursuing a four-year degree at an amazing university.

Be well.

Dr. Tom Jackson Jr. is the president of Humboldt State University.