Over
115 Cambridge public school students who are enrolled in the
Breakthrough Cambridge (BTC) summer program participated in BTC’s second
annual College Challenge Day on Friday, July 15th. Year-round, BTC
reinforces to their students that four-year college is well within their
reach. College Challenge Day uses games and creative activities to help
students envision and enjoy their path to success.
College
Challenge Day included a scavenger hunt in which students worked in
teams to gather the most information about a wide variety of schools.
Then they designed their ideal university, including course offerings,
campus housing, sports facilities and libraries. Amigos School 8th
grader Elmer V. explained, “I think this was a great activity, because
you get to discover what you like or don’t like about each school, and
that will help me when I am going through my application process.”
At
the end of the day, students graduated from high school while their
teachers cheered. President Barak Obama (aka BTC teacher and Wesleyan
University undergraduate Lucas Turner-Owens) gave the commencement
speech. With “Pomp and Circumstance” playing in the background, students
proudly crossed the stage to receive their “diploma” – a brand new
college t-shirt from their summer teachers, rolled up and tied with a
ribbon.
To learn more about BTC’s free, year-round programs, part of a national movement that is changing the face of urban education, visit their website or call their office at 617.349.6647.