Western Illinois Summer Camp Shows Off Opportunities for Rural Students
Underserved youth were given an opportunity to develop their interest in enrolling in higher education at Western Illinois University in mid-July.
High school students from school districts in Peoria, Monmouth, Beardstown and Macomb attended the Addressing Equity Gaps Among Rural Students summer camp at WIU, a project funded by the Department of Education’s Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Program (RPED). The camp was held July 16-17.
“Underserved youth, especially rural students, students of color, immigrant students and first-generation college students often experience barriers to postsecondary success even before applying and enrolling. The camp will continue over the next three years,” WIU Political Science Professor Julia Albarracín said.
Interim University President Kristi Mindrup spoke to those at the camp and offered motivational words to the students looking at their future options.
“You have an exciting opportunity to experience what college life is all about,” Mindrup said. “This is a wonderful time in life to imagine what is possible for your future. While you are on campus, think about what you like to do, what subjects you enjoy, and how your interests might shape your future. You might be amazed at the ways a hobby, skill or interest might match up with a major you can explore as a college student, and lead to a fulfilling career after graduation and throughout life.”
The camp was structured around four academic exploration activities, each featuring three broadly defined academic areas led by professors who coordinated a hands-on activity with the students. The camp also included a leadership development activity coordinated by ROTC, a yoga class, an admissions presentation and an academic skills workshop by one of our RPED First Year Advisors and an Academic Success Coach. Students stayed in the dorms and enjoyed playing games in their free time.
Albarracín said the camp required a true team effort and expressed her gratitude to the many at WIU who worked on this camp, both with the students and behind the scenes.
