District 88 students gain college experience through grant-funded event at Elmhurst University

On July 31 and Aug. 1, 33 District 88 students who are enrolled in English 12 Collegiate Credit and Hidden Voices were invited to participate in a field trip to Elmhurst University.

The purpose of the event was to help students see themselves on a college campus, easing the transition from high school to a post-secondary environment, and provide an opportunity for them to experience college-level humanities courses. 

The university’s Office of Admission explained the application process, walked students through the Common App, helped them understand how to transfer from a junior college to a four-year institution and discussed financial aid and scholarships.

Students attended humanities classes of their choosing, which were taught by Elmhurst University professors. They also met with the Office of Equity and Inclusion about bringing their authentic selves to college and attended a lecture from the university chaplain about finding their vocation. 

The event was planned and organized by Dr. Erika McCombs (with Elmhurst University’s English Department) and was funded through a grant that was awarded to Elmhurst University and District 88 by the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) new Spotlight on Humanities in Higher Education grant program. That funding supports the collegiate credit program to encourage students to engage with the humanities. Read more about the grant at https://www.elmhurst.edu/news/humanities-in-higher-education-program-awarded-prestigious-federal-grant/.