It takes more than good grades and big dreams to get into college.
Students — especially those who are among the first in their families to pursue higher education — also need confidence as they approach the college search and selection process.
Camp College, an annual program offered each spring by the Michigan Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC), is designed with the latter goal in mind. The day-long camp helps underserved students plan for higher education and think through the steps needed to apply to colleges and seek out financial aid.
“The program works if students feel more prepared to apply to college,” said NACAC member Adam Davis, who helped organize last year’s event, held on the campus of Central Michigan University. “For many students, this may be their first time on a college campus or the first time they’ve heard what really goes into the college admission process.”
Last year’s event —supported by a NACAC Imagine Grant — was held in May. More than 100 students in grades nine through 11 were served through the program.
Attendees were introduced to a wide range of college options and had the opportunity to attend break-out sessions on topics including the community college experience, preparing for the ACT, essay writing, athletics in college, and more.
“Our goal is really to try to get them to think about things they haven’t thought about before,” said Davis, an admissions counselor at Michigan State University and co-chair of MACAC’s Inclusion, Access, and Success Committee.
The committee was awarded another Imagine Grant to help fund this year’s camp, scheduled for May 18 at Grand State Valley.
“We want the students to know that it’s never too early — or too late — to start thinking about college, and that there are lots of people that can help them along the way,” Davis said.
Donate Now: Imagine Fund grants offer financial support to individuals or NACAC affiliates. Funds are used to support professional development, as well as innovative programs serving students and/or the profession.
Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.