120 high schoolers get an early look at college

Western Washington University’s Youth Programs is hosting College Quest for the 13th year this summer, from July 5 through July 10, as part of the many summer enrichment camp programs Western offers.

College Quest is a weeklong comprehensive college preparatory program for rising high school students entering grades 10 to 12. In the program, students receive college experiences by living in a WWU residence hall, receiving assistance on the college application process, completing a real college course taught by WWU professors and earning university credit.

"Attendance has grown gradually," said Debbie Gibbons, manager of youth programs at Western for 27. "We started out in 2002 and I believe we offered two classes, and as the years have gone on we’ve added more classes. Our goal is to have a class from every college (in Western)."

This year, 120 students are enrolled in the eight classes offered, all of which have full enrollment.

“From all the years that I’ve been working with youth programs, I know that you need to get them acclimated to a college campus early, but a college prep program really does give high school students an introduction to not only college learning, but the living part, such as staying in the residence halls for a week,” Gibbons said. “I think it’s a real eye opener to them on their next stage in life, and I believe that these types of programs really do help college retention with freshman.”

The eight college courses offered this summer include:

  • BIOL 197C: Ecology of Local Marine Habitats-Marine ecology examines the environmental and biological factors that affect distribution, abundance, and diversity of organisms. This course will survey local marine habitats to examine ecological patterns.
  • DSGN 140: Introduction to Visual Communications-Use type, color and imagery to effectively convey a message to a target audience while mastering the basics of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • EDUC 197B: Mirrors, Windows and Doors of Teaching in Today’s Classroom-Gain an understanding of the changing demographics in the nation’s classrooms and the importance of teaching children’s literature with the perspective of cultural diversity.
  • ENVS: 118: Local Perspectives on Environmental Science and Sustainability-Conduct research and field observations to apply science for a positive impact on the problems associated with climate change.
  • FAIR 162B: Film/Video Production with Final Cut Pro-Use digital cameras, external microphones, lighting, Adobe software and more to create a script, shot list, story board and finished product.
  • MSCI 110: Introduction to Renewable Energy for Scientists and Engineers-Create biodiesel fuel in the laboratory and construct your own solar cell devices while learning about renewable energy technology.
  • PSY 194: Experience in Behavioral Neuroscience-Observe brain-activity monitoring techniques in action as you learn about brain structure and function.
  • THTR 197: Creative Writing for the Stage-Gain skills in college-level writing, reviewing and critiquing while discovering the forms and conventions of theatre writing and working in teams to create a staged reading.

The credit the students earn in the program can be used at Western or other universities.

For more information, visit http://www.wwu.edu/ee/youth/collegequest/college-bham.shtml.

Paula Airth, an assistant professor of design, teaches DSGN 140: Introduction to Visual Communications, in which, among other things, College Quest students learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Photo by Mariko Osterberg / WWU Communication