Those interested in exploring educational opportunities will have the opportunity to do so due to an event held at the local college.

Beaufort County Community College will hold its second annual Free Day on Oct. 9, opening its doors to give prospective students the chance to attend classes and meet potential instructors in their classrooms at no charge, said BCCC Public Relations Coordinator Betty Mitchell Gray. Participants will also have the chance to talk to BCCC staff about admissions, career planning, financial aid, college transfers and academic counseling.

“Often times, people might be reluctant to either start their college education or go back to get additional job training because they’re wary about what college studies would be like,” Gray said. “This gives them the opportunity to come and experience college life for a day, take a full day of classes, visit our café and be in college for a while to see if its right for them. We’re trying to lower the barrier for people who might want to start a college career, but feel they may not be able to handle college work. Free Day will let them see we have small classes and instructors and resources that will help them succeed.”

Gray said participants will be able to sit in on introductory courses in a variety of disciplines including allied health, arts and sciences, business and industry and more. Two dozen classes will be offered for prospective students to attend during Free Day, and participants can register to attend as many of the classes as they wish, Gray said.

The only requirement is that participants do not register for more than one class during the same time period and, out of respect for the instructor and other students, participants stay for the entire class, Gray said. The first class starts at 8 a.m. and the last class ends at 2:45 p.m.

“They can spend all day out here if they want to,” Gray said. “If they want to take some time during the day to visit with admissions, counselors, financial aid, instructors — they’re welcome to explore any resource at the college.”

Gray said those who register by Oct. 2 will receive a free coupon for lunch at the college’s grill. To attend the event, participants should visit the BCCC website and click on the Free Day icon, look over the schedule of classes to find a class of interest and complete the registration form. Then on Oct. 9, participants should arrive at the registration desk at Building 1 on the BCCC campus about 20 minutes before the first class to pick up a Free Day badge, a campus map and other information about the day. Participants can also make an appointment for an academic advising, career planning or financial aid session at that time, Gray said.

For more information about Free Day at BCCC, visit the BCCC website or contact Betty Mitchell Gray, public relations coordinator, at 252-940-6387 or by email at bettyg@beaufortccc.edu or Daniel Wilson, director of Admissions, at 252-940-6233 or by email at danielw@beaufortccc.edu.