600 high school seniors receive guidance at educational fair in Fajardo

By THE STAR STAFF

Some 600 public school seniors received guidance on the offerings of universities and other educational institutions in Puerto Rico during a new fair focused on opportunities for young people after graduating from high school.

The initiative came from the Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, and involved the participation of some 25 post-secondary educational institutions.

“During the past few years we have observed a renewed interest among our young people in entering institutions that provide university education, and we must support this with concrete actions,” the House speaker said. “That is why we developed this concept of ‘Uniferia,’ focused on providing these fourth-year students, months away from graduating, with all the guidance they need to make one of the most important decisions in their lives.”

The event, held last week at the Maestro Tomás Dones Hernández Coliseum in Fajardo, attracted students from several municipalities in the northeast region of the island.

“With this initiative, we aim to broaden the range of postgraduate options,” added Méndez Nuñez, who is also the representative for House District 36 (Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Vieques, and Culebra). “We want students to have accurate and clear information about what each university or institution offers and how these programs can help them reach their full academic and professional potential.”

Among the exhibitors were the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Río Piedras and Humacao campuses; Inter-American University; Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart University); Central University of the Caribbean; ICPR Junior College; San Juan Hotel School; Columbia University; EDP University; Mech Tech; AutoMeca; Art and Technology High School; Humacao University; Professional Institute; Modern HairStyling Institute; ADTEC College; Dewey University; and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, Army and Marine Corps, among others.

The fair was supported by the island Department of Health, Traffic Safety Commission, Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Department of Labor and Human Resources, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Department of Recreation and Sports, Puerto Rico Police Bureau and Driver Service Centers (CESCO), among other central government agencies, as well as the Municipality of Fajardo.

Also present at the event were private sector entities such as Econo Supermarkets, as were Fajardo Mayor José Anibal “Joey” Méndez and Carolina District Sens. Marissa “Marissita” Jiménez and Héctor Joaquín Sánchez.

According to data from the UPR Río Piedras Campus, enrollment for 2025 is 12,076, an increase compared to the past five years.