Students from five city middle schools will get an introduction to college life at The University of Memphis this week. About 300 seventh- and eighth-graders will tour the campus Wednesday and Friday, Oct. 18 and 20, as part of the MAPS program (Making Advanced Plans for Success).

The federally-funded program is designed to spark an early interest in attending college. The students are from low-performing schools whose students don't typically consider attending college.

"We'll talk about college, and hopefully provide them with a motivational experience so they see themselves as college students," says Dr. Donald Franceschetti, a physics professor and MAPS program director.

Students will return next summer for a one-week camp that offers them a chance to sample college experiences, including participating in chemistry experiments and working in the computer lab. "They'll get to interact with faculty and have contact with advanced students," Franceschetti says. "We hope to give them a positive but brief experience and get them revved up for college."

As part of the program, 45 U of M students tutor at the middle schools.

For more information, call program manager Regina Hairston at 678-3121.

More News Releases