USF shows kids college is always a real possibility
High school freshman will get a taste of they can look forward to in four years once they graduate. About 200 Joliet Township High School incoming freshman will be on the University of St. Francis campus in the coming weeks to get a sense of the many opportunities college offers.
This collaboration between JTHS and USF was made possible by the federal 21st Century Grant received by JTHS four years ago. This is the third year of the USF summer college program.
“The idea behind the kids coming to campus is so that they can see themselves on a college campus and understand that this is an obtainable goal. The students will learn many of the things that students learn as they attend college, including student life and residence halls, leadership skills, study skills, health and nutrition and career exploration,” said Alice Cahill, director of the Regional Educational Academy for Leadership (REAL) in USF’s College of Education.
The 21st Century Grant program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and/or low performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math. The program also offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can compliment their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.
The program allows students to visit the campus on three different days in June every year. This year the program, students attend USF on June 13, 20 and 27. Students will be exposed to nine different presentations, including forensic science and visual art mediums, time management, study skills and health and nutrition.