(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Nov. 7, 2014) - - - Many adults consider returning to college in order to complete a degree or improve their employment opportunities. For those who are unsure where to start, Columbia State Community College's evening services department is hosting a "First Steps" information session Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 6 - 8 p.m.

"It has been my experience that what frequently holds adults back from returning and completing a degree are those first steps," said Dr. Kelley Pujol, coordinator of evening services and cohort programs. "It can be daunting, so we wanted to offer this opportunity to assist working adults with figuring out a pathway and a plan that will work with their lives and their goals."

Pujol explained that the logistics of applying to college, applying for financial aid, deciding on a schedule and what courses to take can seem overwhelming.

"Many people are unaware of the progressive educational pathways that are available to help them "stair step" their way to their long term career goals by achieving shorter yet still rewarding academic and career goals along the way," Pujol said.

This information session is also for anyone who wants to find out more about a program or has a career goal but is unsure of the steps necessary to reach that goal. The session will cover topics such as general starter information, financial aid options, how to complete an online application, prior learning assessment, transfer credit, program length, career outlook, and the likelihood of getting a job in a particular field.

The event will take place in Room 108A of the J.H. Warf Building, located on the Columbia Campus at 1665 Hampshire Pike. For questions about the information session contact Pujol at (931) 540-2862 or kpujol@ColumbiaState.edu. The event is free and open to the public.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.