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 students a taste of the collegiate experience.
During their stay, nearly 90 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. Nearly 20 educators will serve as volunteer mentors throughout the weekend.
“The goal is to reach students who wouldn’t normally pursue education beyond high school, and provide them with skills and the comfort level to consider college as an option,” said Teran R. Tadal '04, assistant dean of admissions and site coordinator of this year’s camp.
“By the time our students leave, they will be confident in their educational futures and will have mentors from the admissions and counseling fields to guide their path,” she said. “For many, this is truly a life-changing experience.”
The program is funded in part through a grant awarded to the New York State Association of College Admission Counseling.
Now in its seventh year, the camp was started by Kelly Herrington ’96, and the former associate dean of admissions at Union.
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.
For more information on the program, visit the NYSACAC website at http://www.nysacac.org/.
A second Camp College will be held from July 20-22 at SUNY Potsdam.