Youth Get a Taste of College

Six Ashland area youth ages 11 to 14 got a taste of college life the week of June 6 to 12 through the KY Governors Minority Student College Preparation Program (GMSCPP).

The week of GMSCPP college experiences included participation in the Statewide Conference at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) and attendance at the Summer Institute at Morehead State University (MSU).

ACTC is one of several KCTCS colleges involved in GMSCPP. For the second year, activities with Ashland area youth were supported by a grant from the Council of Postsecondary Education and were directed by Al Baker, ACTC Director of Cultural Diversity.

During the year, youth from the Ashland Independent and Boyd County School Systems were involved in activities that can lead to an appreciation of the benefits of college and a desire to succeed academically. The Statewide Conference and Summer Institute were the culmination of the years activities.

The students were exposed to various classes throughout the week. During two days at NKU, the students participated in chemistry, science, biology and physics classes with over 250 students from around the state.

During the remainder of the week at MSU, the students attended English, math, science, computer and diversity awareness classes with students from Maysville Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College and MSU. The students also had time for social activities, including swimming, cookouts and basketball.

The GMSCPP was established in 1987 to address the underrepresentation of African Americans in Kentuckys public postsecondary education system. The goal is to provide academic enrichment activities for middle school minority students and encourage them to stay in school, make them aware of the benefits attending college and prepare them for success in college work.

We want the students not only to consider going to college but to expect that they will, Baker said. Through GMSCPP, we are providing an environment that supports academic achievement and goals of success in higher education.