AUSTELL - South Cobb High School hosted Georgia Apply to College Week last Wednesday for its seniors, giving students an opportunity to apply to some local colleges for free.

The program is designed to provide college application information to encourage and aid students who would be the first in their family to attend college, minorities and non-traditional age students. As part of the event, about 15 colleges agreed to waive their application fees for the week.

Senior Jarmichael Williams, 18, was one of the approximately 75 students who attended the event.

"Tonight was an opportunity for me to come and get special assistance from different people who have been through it already. They can help me make a smooth transition, versus me trying to do it on my own," he said. "The program has been great. If I had tried to do it on my own, I wouldn't know as much as I do now."

During Apply to College week, seniors could log onto www.GAcollege411.org. The online resource helped students and their families select a college, apply for admission and plan to finance the education. The Web site also has information about colleges, universities and technical colleges throughout Georgia.

South Cobb principal Ashley Hosey said the program got students thinking about their futures.

"They say they want to go to college, but they won't do the application. So, tonight is very important. They're having fun; there was the giveaway," he said. "I think the biggest thing they're learning is that it's not as big and hard to apply."

Hosey said the night was a shove in the right direction for some students.

"I talk to kids and I ask them, 'Why not? Why can't you be the first one in your neighborhood, on your block or in your family to go to college?" he said. "They just need that extra push. Once they realize it's just an application, they know they can do it. It's a confidence builder."

Representatives from South Cobb's partner in education, Lockheed Martin, also attended the event to assist students. As an added incentive, Lockheed Martin gave away five $100 scholarships.

Hamilton Holmes, spokesman for Lockheed Martin, said the company's goal is to get involved with its partners in education beyond giving a financial contribution.

"We really like to come out and have a hands-on experience with the students. A lot of the students here tonight haven't done this before. Some are first-generation college students," he said. "We're trying to help them fill out the applications so it's thorough and accurate and help them get the process started early so they can know where they're going to go sometime by maybe early next year. It's really a chance to have some of our experienced folks share some of their knowledge with the students. "

South Cobb High School was one of two Cobb schools to host Georgia Apply to College Week. Campbell High School in Smyrna also conducted the program for its students on Friday.