High School Students Tour Colleges, With Help of USA Funds

Recently, 50 high school students from the Indianapolis area had the opportunity to go on a college tour during their spring break. The Greater Indianapolis YMCA’s Urban Mission Branch coordinated the tour, which USA Funds^® sponsored with a $50,000 grant.

“Visiting college campuses is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the different types of institutions they can attend,” says Kyle Malone, USA Funds manager, access and outreach. “It gives students the chance to learn firsthand about collegiate academics, social life and admission guidelines.”

The Urban Mission Branch of the Greater Indianapolis YMCA is a non-facility branch commonly referred to as “the Y without walls.” The goal of the Urban Mission Branch is to bring YMCA programming to the community. One such program is the Black and Hispanic Achievers program.

The program serves students in grades nine through 12. The Black and Hispanic Achievers program aims to teach students that college is a viable and realistic option and to help students identify academic strengths and career interests to help them better prepare through high school studies.

As part of the program, students can apply to be a part of college tours, conducted during fall and spring breaks. This year students spent five days touring colleges and universities around the Atlanta area and in Florida. Many of the institutions visited are Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Nicole Rowan, program director of teens at the Urban Mission YMCA, says the college tours are extremely effective, with some students experiencing a complete shift in their thinking, behavior and attitude toward postsecondary education.

“Many of our students have not been out of the Indianapolis area, so this is a unique opportunity for them. They can enjoy a new experience and learn more about postsecondary institutions,’ says Rowan. “At the HBCU campuses, they learn the history of the campus and the rich culture of the history of education there.”

The Black and Hispanic Achievers program serves students in Indianapolis Public Schools and schools in the surrounding area. Each week, more than 180 students participate in the program at four locations throughout Indianapolis.

Many graduates of the program come back as Adult Achievers and volunteer with the program or work as camp counselors for the YMCA’s summer camps.