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Released 1 May 2009
Boys & Girls Club Members Tour
Several North Carolina Colleges
Huddled up, with arms tightly crossed, a group of 21 teens from Church Hill braved the bitter wind and light rain as they passed Duke's massive chapel. But instead of asking, "why are we out in the cold?" they asked "what GPA do I need to get into Duke."
In fact, despite far-from-ideal weather conditions, these teens from The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club spent three days exploring, on foot and in questions, five of North Carolina's better-known campuses.
From the fame of Duke; to the student-architecture of North Carolina A&T; to the personal connections of Winston-Salem and the urban feel of Shaw; and finally to the quiet beauty of Campbell, the teens traveled enthusiastically.
Their eyes remained on tour guides and chancellors; their ears took in requirements and opportunities; their mouths asked numerous questions; and their hands filled out information cards and applications.
You could see it on their faces when they suddenly realized they liked a certain campus, or that they had the program they were looking for.
Each teen took something from the experience that will begin to transform who they are academically.
In the midst of this, others were inspired. Tour guides complimented their focus and behavior, as well as their understanding in the midst of inclement weather. The bus driver said they were the best group he's ever taken.
All of this, combined with the impact on each teen, made the trip a valuable experience for everyone, Club members and Club staff alike.
Even more, the beauty of the trip did not end when the Club teens got off the bus back home in Richmond; several teens have committed to raising their grades, all of the teens will begin SAT preparatory work, and some of the teens have already made connections and started the application process.
A college tour like this cannot be fully judged by the trip itself. The true results will be seen on future report cards, in the college essays, and in acceptance letters - and at this point in time, things look very promising!
- Paul Granger, Teen Director at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club