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As part of a collaboration between 91��ɫ and Springfield International Charter School (SICS) that took place over the course of the summer and fall, two students from each K-5th grade at SICS spent the day on campus to familiarize themselves with the college experience. This is part of an effort to provide exposure to elementary students and offer higher education as an option for those who may want to pursue college in the future. Laurie Risler, Instructor of Education at the University, was instrumental in this partnership.

Education majors from 91��ɫ State were also given the chance to gather experience with children in the classroom setting. In addition to spending time with the K-5th graders on campus, education majors also visited SICS and continued their lessons there as well. On December 6, students from each grade at SICS presented what they had learned in the Loughman Living Room in Scanlon Hall to a crowd of parents, teachers, and fellow students. Following the event, participants and guests enjoyed lunch at the Dining Commons on campus to experience more of college life.

“It is so inspiring and exciting to see the response of our students,” Dean Berry, Academic Coordinator at SICS, commented. “It is just as great to see the response of the WSU students to the wonder of our SICS students about their future possibilities.”

Berry went on to reiterate the purpose of this collaboration, citing the importance of encouraging younger students to pursue high education. 

“I recently attended a conference with the Massachusetts Secretary of Education where a strong emphasis was placed on introducing students at young ages to the concept of what a college education could mean to them,” he said. “Our SICS team realized that we and 91��ɫ State were already engaged in helping students think about college early. Partnerships like this give

91��ɫ State students practical experience with real students like those they hope to teach one day and helps SICS fulfill our mission as a college preparatory school.”