Dozens of ninth and 10th graders will visit Union this weekend for the annual “Camp College,'' a three-day summer session designed to give first-generation college-bound high school students a taste of the collegiate experience.
During their stay, the 60 or so students from across New York State will live and eat in the College's residence and dining halls, attend classes taught by Union professors and participate in workshops on topics such as admissions and financial aid. Students will also learn college interview and essay writing techniques.
There will also be several social activities, including a barbeque, a dance and a scavenger hunt. The closing session will include a presentation of the class project in which the students design the college of their dreams.
“Camp College is a program that allows underserved students to gain a better understanding about college, both the application process and the benefits of higher education,” said Ellen Casper, assistant dean of admissions at Union. “Most importantly, they are given the tools and the encouragement to realize that they have the ability and talent to attain a college education.”
The program is funded in part through a grant awarded to the New York State Association of College Admission Counseling. Besides Union College, other sponsors include Price Chopper/The Golub Corp.; Wachovia Bank; Sallie Mae; and Kodak.
Now in its sixth year, the camp was started by Kelly Herrington, Class of 1996, and the former associate dean of admissions at Union. Herrington, currently the director of college counseling at University Prep in Seattle, will return to Union for the camp, which opens Friday.
Students selected to participate were nominated through their high school; Liberty Partnership and Upward Bound programs; GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs); Boys and Girls Clubs; churches and community-based organizations.
Another Camp College will be held from August 4-6 at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.