SANTEE, Neb. -- Nebraska Indian Community College welcomed three local high schools to their Santee campus to be a part of an open house to show students what their lives could look like when they graduate.

Students were able to transition through 8 different stations getting hands-on insight about various degree programs from taking samples in the new the new NICC greenhouse facility to working a flight simulator and a drone.

Academic Dean Dr. Kristine Sudbeck said that it's important for students to see what opportunities they have right in their own back yards.

"It's literally down the road from them so they don't have to go all the way across the state or across the country to obtain their certificates or associate's degrees for higher ed," said Sudbeck.

Faculty gave 30-minute presentations at each station allowing the students to truly immerse themselves in college life.

NICC already offers students a head start with their free dual enrollment program which allows them to take credit-hour courses.

Some Isanti High School students said those resources are what draws them to pursuing higher education.

"To help us prepare for our future and to give us different options of where we want to go and help us to see if we go into that field what different things it's gonna bring to us," one student told News Channel Nebraska.

Isanti High Graduation Coach Leah Thomas said that more events like the open house better prepare students for the next steps in their lives after graduation.

"I definitely think that these are great events to have to give a glimpse to our students of what's available for them," said Thomas.

NICC utilized the open house to promote their mission of providing access to classes.

School officials said they plan to welcome more students from the surrounding areas and around the country to their enrollment lists for the next fall semester.