TIFTON — High school students from more than 30 counties explored pathways to higher education at a statewide gathering of Senior 4-Hers in Athens.

The special event is known as Weekend in the Classic City and provides a comprehensive picture of diverse collegiate options in Georgia, 4-H representatives said in a statement.

Two students from Tift County 4-H participated in the annual event that began 20 years ago when Collegiate 4-H Club members from the University of Georgia invited high school students to campus as part of a class project.

The initiative has grown to include nearly 100 students each year from widely varied backgrounds who enjoy a day at the birthplace of higher education, representatives said.

Weekend in the Classic City shows youth that there isn’t one answer to the question of what path to take after high school.

“Higher education is about exploring career options, interests, and talents,” said Jenna Daniel, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension 4-H specialist. “This is the perfect event for that exploration and we allow high school youth time and space to discover these concepts.”

“Each participating 4-Her enjoyed the experience with a designated small group that includes peers and adult leaders,” representatives said. “These groups were facilitated by current college students who provided real-world perspective on their educational experience. This format encouraged engagement as youth were able to connect more directly with the narratives of those who are just a few years ahead of them.”

Through seminars, tours and panels, youth had the opportunity to ask questions, explore options and gain insight from their leaders.

Learning was joined by fun as 4-Hers experienced a taste of traditional college life by touring campus, eating in a dining hall, visiting a dorm room and exploring the student activity center.

They also heard from UGA experts in financial aid, admissions, and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

“Georgia 4-H empowers youth to become true leaders by developing necessary life skills, positive relationships and community awareness,” representatives said. “As the largest youth leadership organization in the state, 4-H reaches more than 225,000 people annually through University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offices and 4-H facilities.”

Tift County 4-H provides educational, fun and competitive events throughout the year for all fifth- to 12th-grade youth in Tift County.

For more information about 4-H opportunities, contact the Tift County Extension office at (229) 391-7980 or online.