School children in Jackson, Tennessee get to experience what it feels like to be in college and learn what college is all about through a local program called Mentor U. The thought of going to college is daunting to 6th and 7th graders but thanks to this program, they get to be exposed to college life.
According to WBBJ7 News, Mentor U is a program created by colleges and universities that aim to help 6thand 7th graders from North Parkway Middle School to get a taste of college life. These school children were given a chance to tour the Jackson State campus to have a feel of what it's like to be in college.
One 7th grader Kashenna McCullough said that the experience was awesome. She said that she experienced working with college students which helped her learn and get more opportunities.
The students toured the Physics, Biology and nursing labs, which somehow have influenced some kids' decision on the career path they would be taking when they grow up.
Nell Senter, the JSCC Dean of Social Sciences said that the experience was both beneficial to students and mentor, and that the curriculum help foster character traits that will help them when they get through life. One of the volunteers from Jackson state shared that college is tough and not easy, but is definitely worth it.
It was in 2015 when five colleges and universities partnered together to start Mentor U, and according to The Jackson Sun, these schools are Union University, Lane College, Jackson State, the University of Memphis at Lambuth and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
The mentorship and the college visits of the middle school students to the area colleges are helpful in discovering their passion and interest, it gives them exposure to more life opportunities which makes them think about their future in a positive direction.
