I am writing to let you know how much I and the students at Battle Creek Middle School have appreciated the opportunity to attend the "Exploring the Possibilities: Kids, College and Careers" fall workshop at the U of M. I have taken students for the last three years. They come away from that experience highly motivated to look to a successful future. The student essay piece helps them think about unlimited possibilities and dreams for their futures. I have read many inspirational essays and shared them with our staff. Teachers respond with: "This affirms the reason why I went into teaching in the first place," and "I know that I am helping students think about and how achieve their dreams,” and "It is great to see students have goals of becoming teachers, doctors, businessmen and have families in which they will be able to support." 

Because these students have never been exposed to college life before, it heightens their awareness of what is out there. They are excited to become the first child in their family to attend a college. The workshops build self-esteem. I have seen many students come back from that field trip and really excel in their academics as well as leadership within the building.

Please continue this program as it meet the needs of students that no other program can. 

-Mary Conlin-Warner, Assistant Administration/GT Coordinator, Battle Creek Middle School

I am the Schoolwide Enrichment Specialist at Monroe Community School. For the last three years we have participated in the Kids, Colleges and Careers Essay Contest and field trip. It has been a great experience. Our school has a heavy emphasis on writing - all grade levels do Writer's Workshop every day. The essay is a perfect start to the year for the eighth graders, they realize all the practice in writing skills really serves a purpose. Monroe students have won first place in the essay contest twice out of the last three years. They really enjoy the field trip and the speakers. Many of them plan to be the first in their family to go on to college, and it exposes them to some of the real possibilities out in the larger world. They all talk about their favorites speakers and they always like the games and little contests the speakers have. I think this is a very worthwhile opportunity for our Junior High Students.

-Mary Massetti, Monroe Community School