Counselor Toolkit: Morning Announcement Scripts for Virtual College Fairs

These scripts are part of the Counselor Quick-Start Toolkit. They're written to be read naturally over a school PA system — no reading from a paper in a rush. Each version fits a different purpose.

Fill in the [BRACKETED] placeholders before the announcement. A 2-week advance announcement plus a day-before reminder is the recommended cadence.

How to Use These Scripts

• General version — Use when announcing the fair at least one week in advance.
• Area-specific versions — Target students in a specific CTE pathway or career interest course.
• Day-of version — Read the morning the fair opens (Monday of fair week).

For best coverage, have the counselor, a CTE teacher, or a student ambassador read the announcement. Repetition matters — two to three announcements over the week before the fair will outperform a single announcement.

Script 1: General Announcement (30 seconds)

"Good morning, SCHOOL NAME!

This is a reminder that the FAIR NAME virtual college fair is coming up WEEK/DATES. This is a free, online fair where you can explore colleges, universities, and trade schools focused on AREA OF INTEREST programs — and talk one-on-one with admissions representatives.

Registration is free and takes two minutes. See YOUR NAME in the counseling office or visit the sign-up link on the school's website / in this week's announcements to register.

Don't miss it — this is a great way to explore your options without leaving school."

Script 2: Area-Specific Announcement (20 seconds)

Use these for students in a matching CTE program, career class, or interest cluster.

Health Sciences / Nursing / Medicine

"Attention students interested in health careers — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is coming up DATES. It features nursing programs, pre-med pathways, allied health, and more. Register free and talk directly with admissions reps. See YOUR NAME in the counseling office for the link."

Engineering / STEM

"Attention students in our STEM and engineering programs — the FAIR NAME virtual college fair is DATES. Schools with engineering, computer science, and applied science programs will be exhibiting all week. Register free — see YOUR NAME for details."

Skilled Trades / Manufacturing / Vocational

"Attention students in our trades programs — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and vocational schools will be live all week for free, one-on-one conversations. Sign up in the counseling office."

Technology / Computer Science / Cybersecurity

"For students interested in tech, coding, or cybersecurity — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Connect with colleges and tech schools on your own schedule, for free. See YOUR NAME in the counseling office to register."

Business / Entrepreneurship / Marketing

"Attention future business owners and marketers — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Business schools, marketing programs, and entrepreneurship tracks from across the country will be live all week. Registration is free — see the counseling office."

Fine Arts / Design / Architecture

"For students pursuing art, design, film, or architecture — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Explore fine arts colleges and design programs on your own schedule, at no cost. Sign up through YOUR NAME in the counseling office."

Culinary Arts / Hospitality

"Attention students interested in culinary arts or hospitality — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Culinary schools and hospitality programs are exhibiting all week. Free to attend — see the counseling office for the registration link."

Beauty / Wellness / Personal Care

"For students interested in cosmetology, esthetics, or wellness — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Beauty schools and wellness programs from across the region will be live all week. Register free through the counseling office."

Education / Teaching / Counseling

"For students considering a career in education, teaching, or counseling — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Explore education colleges and certification programs at no cost. See YOUR NAME for the sign-up link."

Law / Criminal Justice / Public Service

"Attention students interested in law, criminal justice, or public service — the FAIR NAME virtual fair is DATES. Pre-law programs, criminal justice schools, and public policy programs will be exhibiting. Free to attend — see the counseling office."

Script 3: Day-of Reminder (15 seconds)

"Good morning, SCHOOL NAME! Quick reminder — the FAIR NAME virtual college fair starts today and runs through END DATE. If you're registered, you can log in now. If you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late — see YOUR NAME in the counseling office or visit collegefairsonline.com to register."

Tips for Effective Announcements

Timing: Announce during morning announcements when attendance is highest. Avoid the last two minutes of announcements when students have tuned out.

Repetition: Two to three announcements work better than one. Suggested schedule:

• 2 weeks before: General announcement
• 1 week before: Area-specific announcement (repeat general if only one announcement possible)
• Day of: Day-of reminder

Targeting: Coordinate with CTE teachers, career counselors, and subject-area teachers to make area-specific announcements in their classrooms — these often outperform PA announcements for reaching motivated students.

Peer voice: If your school has a student ambassador program, having a student read the announcement often increases credibility with other students.