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Health & Fitness

Carroll University receives grant for pre-college program

Carroll University has received a two-year $39,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to support a summer pre-college program for low-income students.

Carroll University has received a two-year $39,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to support a summer pre-college program for low-income students. 

The university’s Horizontes en Carroll program, now in its 13th year, serves students in grades 9-11. Participants include students from Waukesha, Milwaukee and Racine counties. Any student whose family income allows him/her to qualify for the federal free or reduced-cost lunch program is eligible.

“Horizontes was created to inspire and prepare underserved youth to make the college dream a reality,” said Dolores Ocampo Brown, now Carroll’s senior director of alumni engagement, who once directed the program. “Our vision was to help underserved youth gain knowledge about the college process, get exposure to college life and gain life skills. This program has had positive effects on youth, on Carroll students who served as mentors, and on community participants who served as educators and facilitators.”  

The weeklong program includes classroom instruction and experiential learning, and is designed to strengthen academic skills, develop motivation and self-esteem, and foster mentoring relationships with Carroll students. Students attend mock college classes and workshops, live in a residence hall, and engage in career and life skills field trips. 

The students also learn what to expect in the admission and financial aid processes, as well as college life in general.

“As we plan for the future, all of Carroll’s pre-college programs will focus on educating, empowering and encouraging students to develop the academic skills, attitude and tools to be successful in postsecondary education,” said Dr. Donnie Hale, director of pre-college programs. “Carroll is committed to making college a reality, and increasing opportunities for students, parents, educators and community members.”

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