Middle School Students Explore Cincinnati Colleges with Adopt A Class Mentors

Middle School Students Explore Cincinnati Colleges with Adopt A Class Mentors

This spring, middle school students from eight Cincinnati Public Schools were treated to a behind the scenes experience that is typically not had until high school, if ever! University of Cincinnati (Office of Admissions for Access and Diversity) and Cincinnati State (under the leadership of President Posey) invited students to their respective campuses for an in-depth look at college opportunities and life on campus.

University of Cincinnati (UC) mentors turned campus exploration into a fun, interactive game by engaging students in a scavenger hunt across campus. After students had a feel for campus, they heard from a former Withrow student (current Withrow students were among the campus visit attendees) that graduated from UC with an Engineering degree. A follow up survey indicated that after visiting UC’s campus, there was a 20% increase in 8th grade student interest in learning more about attending UC specifically, as well as a 20% increase in attending college in general after high school!

At Cincinnati State, students were introduced to a variety of career paths including Culinary, A/V production, Automotive, Horticulture, and Health Sciences, with hands-on demonstrations at each presentation. During demonstrations, mentors talked about certifications and steps needed in order to obtain degrees in these areas, giving students a direct look at the paths available for their future! Data obtained in a follow up survey showed a 32% increase from 6th grade students in learning more about attending Cincinnati State and a 30% increase in attending college in general!

Adopt A Class is so thankful for our wonderful partners at both Cincinnati State and UC. These campus experiences, along with monthly visits to the classrooms, have continued to help open the eyes of students to their future options and opportunities. Today’s students, with the help of their mentors, are on the right path to becoming tomorrow’s leaders!