CMU hosts students from college preparation program

Central Michigan University hosted high school students from five Detroit-area schools as part of a program designed to help them access and succeed in higher education.

The students were participants in the Summer Academy Leadership Program through TRIO Detroit Pre-College Programs, a federally supported program designed to help income-eligible and first-generation students access and thrive in higher education.

Participants in the six-week Summer Academy Leadership Program spent six weeks preparing for college, including a week on campus, said Bryan Munoz, project adviser for CMU’s TRIO Detroit Talent Search Project.

While at CMU, they received hands-on learning in three science courses, including one in which they explored DNA structure to solve a CSI mystery, Munoz said. They also gathered water samples to look for bacteria through a microscope and studied computer science.

They were also connected with campus mentors, CMU resources like admissions and financial aid, as well as career exploration and recreational activities.

Central Michigan University has four TRIO programs: two from Upward Bound, one from Talent Search and the McNair Scholars.

Upward Bound helps eligible students navigate the higher education application process and then provides participants with the tools to succeed. Talent Search offers participants SAT preparation, mentoring, field trips, cultural and social enrichment, college tours, summer programs and referrals.

Upward Bound serves 63 high school students. Partner schools include the Academy of the Americas High school, Northwestern High School, Voyageur College Prep High School and Western International High School.

TRIO Talent Search serves 500 students in grades 6-12 at Academy of the Americas middle and high schools, Clippert Multicultural Magnet Honors Academy Middle School, Hope of Detroit Academy High School, Munger Middle School and Western International High School.