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Devinn is a senior at All-City High on the Marshall campus, and has already applied at several colleges.

Devinn was one of 1,300 high school students who attended the College and Career Connections event Wednesday at the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center on Chestnut Street. Devinn is eager to learn more about meeting college deadlines – and how to qualify for a scholarship.

"I have to follow a tradition in my family, that everyone tries for higher, so you just pick up people that's fallen behind and bring them up with you, so the community can be better and build up as a better place,” Devinn said.

For those students who may not be financially ready for college, the REOC may be an option. The center is a tuition-free program that offers graduates career-training and academic preparation.

"It allows us to gain more experience in the world without having to worry about the cost of an education, which is great,” said Bernice Ward, a student.

This type of venue provides students with an opportunity to meet with college and employer representatives. It also allows them to attend some of the workshops related to careers and starting college.

"That's why it's imperative, you know, when they come here, we do a workshop with them. We let them know about the collaboration that we have with the community agencies. In addition, when they come to REOC, they graduate from REOC, so there's no loan. They're not in debt when they leave here,” said Roosevelt Mareus, REOC Dean.

Devinn Smart is hoping a scholarship will help him fund some of his college tuition, as he prepares to graduate from high school next June and advance his education.

"I believe that anyone with a degree has a chance and a potential to do anything in life."