Columbus youths can go College Bound this summer

COLUMBUS – Kathy Irvin has spent the last few summers working and studying on Ohio State’s campus while many other students in Columbus are taking the summer off. Not bad, considering she is a freshman this year at Columbus’ Centennial High School.

Irvin has come to campus each summer as a part of Ohio State’s College Bound Summer Institute program. She said her experiences have left a lasting impression and have given her a glimpse of university life.

”It was neat to see the students because I felt like I was a part of the university even though I wasn’t yet,” Irvin said.

Marcus Ross is the director for community relations for Ohio State’s College Bound program, now in its 7th year. He said the program gives 6 to 12-year-old students the chance to learn first hand the importance of a college education. In this academic program, parents specifically request which areas of study they want their children to learn. The College Bound students also are introduced to Ohio State scholars, athletes and university facilities to show them various aspects of college life. The program, which runs from June 10 to Aug. 16, includes about 100 student participants with 30 people who work as support staff. Parents can sign up their children for a one-week, an eight-week or a 10-week term.

For years, Irvin has taken part in Ohio State’s College Bound program, first as a student and then as a counselor. She said she has been pleased with the program.

”One thing I liked about the College Bound program was that is focused a lot on academics but included athletic activities,” she said. ”It also really got the parents involved.”

Irvin, who plans to become an elementary school teacher someday, returned last year to as a counselor for the program. She said this experience has reaffirmed her future decision to work with young children.

”Last year helped me because I got to work with different children and to figure out what age group I like working with best,” Irvin said.

Kemba Nzinga, who has worked as a program coordinator for the program since its inception, says the idea behind the College Bound program is to give parents ownership over their children’s educational experiences.

”We found that the parents knew what they wanted to have their children focus on academically for the summer,” Nzinga said. ”The parents also seem to like that the students are exposed to the environment of a college atmosphere at such a young age.”

In the College Bound program, Ross said the parents decide what academic subjects they want their children to learn. In the morning, students work with support staff on their academic subjects in a classroom and in a computer lab. Weekly progress reports are given to the parents, and student and parental feedback is expected each week. In the afternoon, the students take part in recreational activities, including golf, music and basketball. The College Bound program includes trips to various academic departments so the students are introduced to many professional career paths. It also includes field trips to Columbus attractions, such as COSI, the zoo and Wyandot Lake.

Nzinga said it is important that the student participants are exposed to what Ohio State has to offer.

”Along with their experiences with the environment, students are learning about their options for the future,” she said. ”I think there is a tie between what young people see and what they pursue later.”

Throughout the years, the staff for College Bound has tried to shape the program based on parental feedback, Nzinga said.

”We have tried to build a program based on what the parents want their children to learn,” she said. ”This program is designed to satisfy both the parents and the students.”

Jill Irvin, who is the mother of Kathy Irvin and is an assistant director for campus dining services, says both of her daughters have been involved with the program. In fact, her younger daughter, Lisa, is signed up to attend for the second year in a row.

As a parent, Mrs. Irvin says she is impressed with the College Bound program.

”I decided to send my daughters to the program because it gave them the opportunity to be active for the summer,” she said. ”In some ways, they are learning this university better than I know it. Just knowing that your children are engaged for the summer in a safe setting is a great feeling.”

Mrs. Irvin says she likes that the program blends academic stimulation with recreational opportunities.

”I think there is enough focus on academics and athletics so they can enjoy their experience,” she said. ”Any time you can make children comfortable, then I think there is a greater likelihood that they will go to college in the future.”

To learn more about the College Bound program or to receive an application, contact (614) 688-5661 or see www.csw.ohio-state.edu/collegeb