High school students from across the state gathered at Chaminade in July for a week-long camp designed to give them a taste for the college experience and inspire them to pursue big goals.
Chaminade partnered with YMCA for the College & Career Camp program, which included students in grades 9 to 11 and stressed leadership and the importance of building workforce-ready skills. The program is geared toward underserved teens.
Janet T. Davidson, Ph.D., vice provost for Academic Affairs, said the camp “represents a mission-aligned partnership that inspires future college students, increases confidence, solidifies hope, and engenders incredible growth and self-efficacy in the span of a week.”
She added, “This is the type of work that benefits our larger community for generations to come.”
The camp included 50 students. They got the opportunity to stay in Chaminade’s Hale Pohaku residence hall, participated in a community service project, set personal goals and toured campus.
Jon Cho, YMCA senior program executive director, stressed the camp is geared toward students who may not have the resources to pursue college without assistance. He noted the camp also included critical tutorials on the admissions and financial aid process.
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Plus, students met with professionals in the fields they’re interested in and worked with Chaminade mentors.
“Students discover more about themselves, experience independent living in a college environment, and gain a better understanding of what they need to accomplish in high school to attend college or enter the workforce,” Cho said.
Davidson said the experience is ultimately about demystifying higher education and helping students feel like they belong on a college campus. “This equips students with both the knowledge and confidence to pursue continued education,” she added.