College Info Center: Kids To College

Kids to College is a collaborative effort between colleges and schools or community organizations to assist middle school students and families with planning for college. In 1994, the Consortium of Universities was awarded a grant from Sallie Mae to develop a Kids To College program in the Washington metropolitan area. Kids to College is an innovative early awareness program introducing sixth graders to the concept of higher education—while encouraging parents and other family members to take a proactive approach to the planning of their children's educational futures. In 1997, Kids to College became part of the Early College Awareness activities provided through the Greater Washington College Info Center.

The program is built on partnerships between pairs of universities and middle schools. College students from the partner campus facilitate a six week series of activities with the middle school participants, culminating with a visit to their campus. Middle school students have an opportunity to intereact with college students and experience a day on campus. Classroom activities focus on college and career awareness and the academic preparation needed for successful college entry. The partners for the spring 2000 program were:

University of Maryland/College Park with Hyattsville Middle School
Georgetown University with Ron Brown Middle School
Trinity College with Shade Elementary School
Howard University with Browne Junior High School
American University with Patricia Roberts Harris Educational Center
George Washington University with Shaw Junior High School

For additional information, contact Meg Artley, CIC Kids to College coordinator at (703) 532-3580 or martley@worldnet.att.net