Students in Kent State’s Rising Scholars Program on four campuses were involved in a wide variety of activities, workshops and programs this summer as part of their yearlong participation in this experiential regional campus program. This summer, more than 100 middle and high school students participated in summer programming to explore a range of learning experiences including field trips, community service projects and visits to the Kent Campus for the Bootcamp Program.
Kent State Columbiana’s program gave 42 students many unique enrichment opportunities. Students enjoyed field trips to the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center, Blasiman Dairy Farms, Ward Beecher Planetarium, Butler Art Museum, KSU Design Innovation Hub, College Bootcamp at the Kent Campus, Beech Creek Botanical Gardens, Westfield Insurance and the KSU East Liverpool Escape Room. Students were divided up into weekly sessions based on their upcoming grade level in school from seventh through eleventh grades.
Kent State Stark’s Summer Institute included 69 students who spent time learning on campus and were also able to connect with and learn from various organizations in the community. The institute included a session entitled “The Attitude of Gratitude” that focused on philanthropy and appreciation for the donors who make this program possible. Students also visited the Stark County Campus of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to learn more about this purpose-based facility and volunteered their time packing boxes for those in need. Students worked hard to fill 100 boxes to help feed the 52,980 food insecure individuals in Stark County.
Kent State Trumbull hosted five students for their second summer bridge program with Inspiring Minds of Warren and Youngstown, Ohio. The program included a three-credit hour history course, college 101 workshops, catered lunches and activities. Not only were students able to earn credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree, but they also worked with faculty and staff on preparing for their first year of college! Some of the workshops included professional email writing, financial aid literacy and study skills.
The Rising Scholars Program, one on each Kent State campus, combines mentoring with assistance from local communities and businesses to provide support for young adults beginning in seventh grade. The program allows them to maximize their all-important high school years and focus on making well-informed career choices after graduation.
Kent State students who have similar experiences regarding family life or socioeconomic challenges serve as mentors to guide these promising middle and high school students through difficult personal and academic situations. When student participants commit to the program, a free college education awaits them at a Kent State regional campus. They will also become the next generation of mentors who “pay back” their community for this generous support.