On April 10 and 11, the Gorham High School sophomore class took field trips to two local colleges: the University of New England (UNE) and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).
The trip was funded by a grant from the MELMAC Education Foundation, which helps introduce high school students to college access programs. The goals were to help sophomores strive to become more engaged in their schoolwork at GHS and to help them make a connection between their work in high school and their future work in college and beyond.
The Foundation has found through research that visiting college campuses is the most influential action that can be taken to increase college and technical school enrollment. GHS’ post-secondary enrollment is around 80-85 percent for students going on to a two or four year program, but seeing that number grow is a future goal.
The class was split into four groups, with two groups going on the trip each day, starting at one college and then switching mid-day. Students received tours of each school, and were able to see different parts of the campus, such as lecture rooms, dorms, libraries, and labs. They were also able to eat lunch at the second college they visited, and learn about health and nutrition aid at each college.
“Each trip really helped educate me about what each college was really good at,” said Olivia Paruk, the current sophomore class president. “I learned that there are definitely options for students in the near future.”
Another goal of the trip was to show students that there are ways to receive a degree without going to the most expensive college, and to encourage students to begin considering the many different options that are available to them when it comes to furthering their education.
“I found this trip very valuable,” continued Paruk. “It was great to see a private and public college side by side. It helped break some of my stigma around community colleges and private institutions. I think it is important for me, and many other students, to realize that college is only a stepping stone.”