They didn't look like the same kids who arrived on Friday night, reserved and apprehensive.
But on Sunday morning, near the end of a three-day odyssey known as Camp College, they scampered around on the lawn near the Nott Memorial — confident, effusive, themselves — as they practiced skits and posed for photos.
Mission accomplished.
Camp College, now in it's fourth year, hosted some 60 high schoolers who are first-generation college bound or who may not have thought of college as a possibility.
“There are so many high school students in the state who don't think college is an option for them,” said Kelly Herrington, associate dean of admissions at Union and organizer of the camp. “This program has a proven record of success in making college a reality for those who might not otherwise continue their education after high school.”
The simulated college experience strives to demystify college life –
from academics to social life. Students, chaperones and mentors attended
classes, learned about admissions and financial aid, participated in parties and
sports, ate college food, and slept in dorm rooms.
Campers were recruited through churches, community groups, high
schools and clubs in New York and New Jersey. Most are defined as “underserved,” meaning they are students of color, first
generation college-bound and/or from lower economic backgrounds.
The program is funded by a grant from the New York State
Association of College Admissions Counselors (NYSACAC) as well as federal grant
funds through the state's GEAR UP program (Gaining Early Awareness and
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). The GEAR UP funds come through a grant
awarded to the Albany-based Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu). Other funding comes from local businesses, including
JAMZ 96.3 FM, Hannaford Corporation., Subway, McDonald's, Bruegger's
Bagels, and Reality Check.
Tia Williams, a 2003 graduate of Schenectady
High School, who attended Camp
College two years ago, will be
attending Union College
this fall. Several other Camp College
graduates are going on to other colleges and universities.
“Camp College lets students ‘try on' college,” said Susan Nesbitt Perez, director of outreach programs for cIcu. “The benefits of a college education are many. Graduates earn more, become active citizens, and have the chance to build lifelong friendships.” The GEAR UP grant is helping more students participate in “Camp College,” so they can learn about colleges in New York State, Nesbitt Perez noted.
Niagara University will host the program on
August 1-3, and Manhattan College is set for August 15-17.
Sixty students will attend each of these programs. From 2000 through 2002, Union College was the only host site. The
program's success at Union as well as the GEAR UP grant led to the
expansion to the two other college sites.
The group was joined on Sunday by state Assemblymembers
Denny Farrell (D-Manhattan) and Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam).
“You're encouraged to dream about college even if you're intimidated by it,” said Tonko.