A recent college fair held at Marian Catholic High School in Hometown attracted representatives of 46 colleges, universities, U.S. service academies and health care networks.

It coincided with the school’s announcement that it has entered into partnerships with 19 colleges and universities across Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

The agreements offer Marian graduates guaranteed or streamlined admissions, significant scholarship opportunities, coordinated campus visits and direct engagement with college admissions representatives.

“These partnerships affirm the value of a Marian Catholic education. They open doors for our students while reinforcing our mission to prepare graduates who are academically strong, faith-centered and ready to succeed,” the Rev. Robert Finlan, school principal, said.

A partnership with St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York, guarantees admission and a four-year renewable scholarship to eligible Marian graduates. Students who meet minimum admissibility standards may receive a minimum scholarship of $25,000 per year over four years. They will also qualify for the University’s Catholic High School Partnership Award, worth $1,000 per year. Additional benefits include hosted campus visits with tours, admissions presentations, meals and regular on-campus visits from admissions representatives.

In addition to St. Bonaventure University, other colleges participating include Alvernia University, Assumption University, DeSales University, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, King’s College, La Salle University, Lebanon Valley College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Mount St. Mary’s University, Neumann University, Saint Francis University, Saint John’s University, Saint Joseph’s University, Saint Vincent College, Catholic University of America and Ursinus University.

“It was an opportunity to spark their interests,” said Brett Herman, assistant director of admissions at Lycoming College, who said he was impressed in the students’ inquiries.

“Some specifically (asked) about athletics and the Williamsport community,” Herman said. “Others wanted to know about majors and curriculums. We try to provide them with as much information as possible, and then as the school year winds down, they have time to sit down and digest the information.”

He said that 85% of students accepted at Lycoming get financial aid, most of which is merit based.

Colby Davis of Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, said her school is proud to be a “partnership school” with Marian, noting a student who graduates from Marian and attends “the Mount” gets an automatic $5,000 award.

“Our scholarship packages average between $38,000 and $40,000,” she said. “There are ways to work it out (affordability), and that’s our job, to fill in the blanks. We’re not blind to the fact that college is expensive, so we want them to know we’re here to help them navigate through the system.”