2008 Woodie Awards
Children Experience College as Part of Outreach Program
Sindy Diaz
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: Life
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That is the mantra of Citrus College's Kids Investigating College and Knowledge outreach program, better known as Kick.
More than 100 fourth graders from Mayflower Elementary in Monrovia were introduced to that thought as they toured Citrus College on Sept. 30.
"The purpose of the visit was to give the children a better understanding of the educational choices they have while getting them excited about college," said Wendy Chan, event coordinator from the office of external relations.
Throughout the day students met with Superintendent/President Dr. Michael J. Viera and had the opportunity to ask questions to instructors in the automotive, arts, dental assisting, performing arts, and music departments.
"The children were interested in knowing why the instructors decided to become teachers and how they chose the disciplines they were in," Chan said. "The children asked a lot of questions and were very attentive."
Jill Selak, principal at Mayflower Elementary said that the children were excited about the field trip and that it was a learning experience for all.
The experience helped them take an abstract idea, such as higher education, and turn it into a concept they can relate to, she said.
"The children see college as a real opportunity now," she said. "Rather than 'When I grow up I will go to college,' the children now are saying 'When I grow up, I will go to Citrus and learn about cars, cosmetology, music, etc.'"
Selak said that a program like KICK exposes children to the many possibilities they otherwise are unaware of.
"Many of our students think that higher education is just for the 'smart kids.' If academics are not a strong suit with a child, he/she is now aware of many other options and vocations," she said.
The field trip was made possible through a grant provided by School-to-Careers, which also pays for activity books for the children.