WESTFIELD – Westfield State University will welcome the eighth grade students from North and South Middle School for its fifth annual College 101 program. The two middle schools will collaborate with members of the university’s Special Events/Advancement and University Relations internship program as they explore the campus and the possibilities of higher education.
Created in 2010, the College 101 program is aimed to allow the average 14-year-old student the opportunity to see college from an age-appropriate point of view. The visiting middle school students will have the opportunity to ask their tour leaders questions about the typical college experience.
College 101 is designed for the eighth graders to experience a day in the life of a college student. The students will learn about clubs on campus and opportunities outside of the classroom as well. Westfield State faculty, staff, and interns will take groups of students around the campus for an academic tour, visit a residence hall room, and have lunch in the dining commons. Students will participate in a science lab, sit through a mini lecture from a Westfield State professor, and attend a study abroad presentation.
Director of Advancement and University Relations Ken Magarian said he hopes the visiting students realize the benefits of higher education.
“College 101 is designed to show the students the many opportunities that are available to them if they consider continuing their education after high school,” Magarian said. “We want to show the eighth graders who we are as an institution and what we have to offer.”
Students will visit campus Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout the months of March and April: March 3, 5, 7, 17 and April 7, 9, 11, 14. Students will arrive on campus at 9:15 a.m. and leave at 1:30 p.m. For more information on College 101, contact Ken Magarian at 513-572-5406.
