SCSD eighth-graders to visit Syracuse University to gain insight into college

Susan Feightner
(315) 443-1525

A total of 125 eighth-graders from the Expeditionary Learning School and H.W. Smith School in the Syracuse City School District will come to Syracuse University for a half-day college exploration day on Wednesday, April 8, sponsored by the Consortium Team, which consists of representatives from the Partnership for Better Education, Syracuse Challenge, Liberty Partnerships, Gear-Up, Say Yes to Education and the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP).

The Consortium Team was formed in July 2006 to address the collaborative provision of services to the middle-school population and to equip students with the skills necessary to reach and take advantage of higher education.

Students will choose their areas of interest from the following four offerings:

• teaching, coaching, helping people, working in restaurants or hotels
• science, math, English, computers, medical
• building, drawing, singing, dancing, acting, performing
• banking, business, working in stores, working in media, writing for a newspaper

College presentations and tours have been specifically designed to meet the students’ interest. Youlanda Copeland-Morgan, SU associate vice president for enrollment management, will speak to the students about financial aid. College students, faculty and staff have been recruited to provide the grade-school students with an exciting day that also includes a scavenger hunt, lunch in the Schine Underground and guest attendance in identified classes.