GREENVILLE SIXTH-GRADERS TOUR WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY’S MAIN CAMPUS

When the Wright State University tour guide asked how many students were interested in engineering, a few sixth-graders raised their hands.
She then showed them the building where engineering students attend classes. The students’ eyes widened when she told them about the robots that the students program in the building.

Other Greenville students were interested in the nursing building and the business school. Recently, about 200 Greenville sixth-graders visited the Wright State University’s main campus in Dayton. The trip was sponsored by Bridges to College, a local non-profit organization that helps students go to college.“We want students to begin thinking about jobs and college at a young age,” said Beth Sears, executive director of Bridges to College. “It helps if they develop strong study skills, take challenging classes, and learn about what education is required for the job that they want.”

During their visit to Wright State, the Greenville students took a 75-minute tour of the campus. During the tour, they visited academic buildings, the library, the Student Union, the campus recreational facilities, the dining hall, and the residence halls.“For many students, this was their first time on a college campus,” Sears said.

The students asked a variety of questions. Some wanted to know how they could be admitted to college. Others wanted to know about where they would live and what the classes were like.

“We hope this will help students make the connection between what they are learning in the classroom and what they will be doing in the future,” Sears said.
“So many jobs now require some type of education after high school. This could be an apprenticeship, specialized training, or a college degree,” Sears said. “That’s why it’s important that students take challenging classes and work hard in middle and high school.”

Bridges to College serves students in Greenville and Ansonia schools. It aims to increase the number of students going to college by offering educational programming, one-on-one mentoring, and scholarships.

In the past, it focused its educational programming on high school students. This year, it is expanding to include middle school and junior high students. Earlier this month, it organized a bus trip to take 55 Ansonia sixth-graders to Wright State University.

After touring Wright State University, the sixth-graders were given the booklet, “My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College-A Workbook for Middle and Junior High School Students.” The booklet introduces college types (two, four years), academic requirements and financial aid.

Earlier this year, Bridges to College received a grant from the Greenville Rotary to support these trips to Wright State University.
“We are very thankful that the Greenville Rotary is supporting this effort,” Sears said.

To learn more about Bridges to College, please visit its website at http://www.bridges2college.org/.