When did you start preparing for college? Junior year? Junior high? Perhaps you thought it was never too early to prepare. This seems to be the sentiment of some motivated middle school students who spent a week at Morehead State University.

The program is a one week residential experience designed to prepare young, African American students for college.

"The goals of the program are to provide ethnic minority students with an opportunity to be exposed to the college environment; to nurture the students in the fundamental classes they will need to succeed; and to provide encouragement and information about how to get into college," she said.

The summer institute focused on enhancing the students' growth both academically and personally while increasing the number of African American students who ultimately go to college.

"By completing the program in this structured, controlled environment, students are more prepared, allowing for a smoother transition from middle to high school, with postsecondary education as the ultimate goal," Dr. Phillips said.

Congratulations to MSU, and to the bright students preparing to make their mark on the future.

(Photo Source: MSU)