Friday, May 1, 2009

WALLA WALLA, Wash.— Three hundred and fifty local seventh grade students will converge on the Whitman College campus Tuesday, May 5, for a federally sponsored GEAR UP day, intended to promote their goals of attending college.

Students from Walla Walla, College Place, and Touchet will participate in “Follow Your Dreams” day, which includes activities intended to demonstrate the reality of college life and to show each student that a post-secondary education is possible for everyone. In preparation for their day at Whitman, students are completing projects focused around the idea of college. During their visit on campus, students will listen to a presentation by Brien Sheedy, Whitman College Outdoor Program Director, about goal setting and his 2004 ascent of Mt. Everest.

The day will include opening remarks by Whitman College’s Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, Tony Cabasco, who will talk to students about the importance of planning for college. Students will tour campus and participate in a sampling of activities representative of college life. Various Whitman faculty, staff, and student organizations will lead interactive sessions with the middle school students including:

• Science experiments in state-of-the-art science facilities
• Ultimate Frisbee with student club athletes
• First aid skills
• Soccer with student varsity athletes
• Hip Hop dance
• Art workshops
• Presentations by the biology department
• Writing workshops
• Service sessions with the Youth Adventure Program
• A look at local geography and rock formations

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a part of a federal grant program. Washington State University administers the "Follow Your Dreams" GEAR UP grant in partnership with local school districts. GEAR UP functions as a resource to all students in participating schools. Whitman College participates in the GEAR UP "Follow Your Dreams" grant program by hosting this event and actively supports other outreach programs that encourage students to aspire to enroll in higher educational institutions.

For more information contact: