Champions For Learning organizes campus trips for high school students enrolled in our Student Programs to visit a variety of public colleges and private universities across Florida and prepare for their future postsecondary plans once they graduate. This summer, our staff and students toured the following colleges and universities: Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, University of Florida, University of South Florida (Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses), Ave Maria University, University of Central Florida, Florida Polytechnical University, and Florida State University.
Many of our students are the first in their families to consider attending college and have never visited a campus before. Brochures, catalogues, and websites do not offer a comprehensive picture of the college experience. Through campus trips, our students tour campuses and academic buildings; sit in on classes; speak face-to-face with current college students, faculty, and staff; and truly picture themselves achieving postsecondary success.
College campus tours have been a staple of our Student Programs, but this year’s schedule featured a few unique moments. When our students toured the University of Central Florida, their guide was Amanda Lugo, a recent graduate of Golden Gate High School who was enrolled in Champions For Learning’s College and Career Prep Program. Now studying Software Engineering at UCF, she was able to not only lead our current high school students across the campus but also shared her perspective of how Champions For Learning provides continued support and resources to students once they matriculate and eventually transition into their careers.
This was also the first that we offered our students a tour of Florida State University (FSU), located in Tallahassee, Florida. Due to the distance from Collier County, it is rare for many local students to have the opportunity to visit and explore the campus. On this tour, two 2024 graduates who were enrolled in Champions For Learning’s programs and have now started their first summer semester at FSU, Gred Georges and Schneider Philogene, joined the students for lunch in the dining hall. They were able to share their experiences with campus life so far, as well as introduce the CARE Program, which provides preparation, orientation, and academic support programming for the first-generation students at FSU.
“We are thankful for our donors who support our mission to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Your generous support makes campus trips possible. Thank you for sharing in our belief that education is everything,” said Barbara Evans, President and CEO of Champions For Learning.
To make a gift to support future campus trips for students, click the link below: