New college students have to deal with stress and a level of personal responsibility that they’ve never been exposed to before. This can be even more challenging to those who have endured critical concerns at inner-city schools.
Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Center for Urban Education developed a series of ninth-grade “College Readiness Camps” to prepare students for the pressures of college life.
Over the summer, university faculty and student mentors preparing to be urban teachers guided 96 incoming high school freshmen drawn from high schools across Denver and Adams County.
Activities included various aspects of college life, ranging from personal reflection to basic affordability issues. Mentors addressed financial concerns and educated campers on financial aid options.
“It was an opportunity for the students to get a hands-on feel of what it takes in high school to get to the college level,” says student mentor Ryan Lopez.
Students toured labs within the electrical, mechanical and civil engineering technology programs, learning about various engineering careers. In discussions with MSU Denver engineering students, the campers were encouraged to visualize their own potential college identity.
“In high school, students are spoon-fed information, while in college students are given information and it’s the student’s role to explore more, do their own research,” said Devi K. Kalla, MSU Denver assistant professor of mechanical engineering technology.
Kalla taught the students about the roles that math analysis, computer-aided design and 3-D printing play in manufacturing.
“It was exciting to watch young minds blossom,” said student mentor LeRita Cavness, who participated in both summer camp sessions. “Some had no thought of attending college and now were amazed by the campus and just being present on campus connected them with the thought that higher education is a possibility.”
Liz DeLuna is a journalism and public relations major at MSU Denver.
