Spring break is usually a time for high school students to relax, but the Gary Comer Youth Centers’ (GCYC) TRiO team and Upward Bound took the opportunity to deepen their understanding of post-secondary education. These programs are designed to prepare students for life after high school, focusing not only on college preparation but also on job readiness, social-emotional behaviors, and financial literacy. Twenty-one students actively engaged in planning for their future success during this trip. Over four days, we visited Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana; Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois; and Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Our trip began on Monday, March 24th, at 7:30 AM, as we left GCYC for Indiana State University. The bus ride was a long three hours through the Midwest farmland. Before our tour, we enjoyed an all-you-can-eat lunch at ISU’s dining hall, which offered pizza, burgers, salads, and soft serve ice cream. After lunch, our college tour commenced. Indiana State University is a fairly large campus with a diverse student population of around 8,000. Although the university was founded in 1816, it has updated its facilities to meet modern standards. One highlight of the campus was the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center, which serves as a safe and supportive community for students. They offer tutoring, volunteer opportunities, and spaces for socialization. After the tour, we ended the day at a local favorite, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.
On the second day of our trip, we traveled to Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Many students enjoyed visiting this campus, especially since two of our senior peers had applied and been accepted. Their enthusiasm inspired the rest of us to ask questions and truly explore whether this school might be on our own lists. WIU is a large campus with historic buildings, showcasing its long-standing traditions. The university provides numerous financial opportunities to assist students with college expenses and offers a variety of majors that interest all participants on the trip. One particularly interesting program is their Fire Protection Services. While becoming a firefighter typically doesn't require a degree, WIU offers a program where students can earn both a degree and the necessary training. The Fire Administration program is available online for working firefighters aiming for promotional opportunities, while the Fire Science Option is designed for those preparing for a career in the fire service, with classes held on-campus. To conclude our visit to WIU, we dined in their campus dining hall, experiencing a taste of college life.
After visiting WIU, we traveled to St. Louis. The drive into downtown was beautiful as we passed the iconic arch. The city was bustling due to the STL Cardinals' opening game, attracting many visitors. Given our earlier visit to Western Illinois University, the remainder of the day focused on building community and camaraderie; we enjoyed a meal together at Dave & Buster’s, and had the opportunity to engage in some fun to unwind.
On Day 3, we visited Harris-Stowe State University, and all of us loved everything about it—from the food to the affordable tuition and the incredible support system....We were so impressed that I reconsidered my initial college choices.
On Day 3, we visited Harris-Stowe State University, and all of us loved everything about it—from the food to the affordable tuition and the incredible support system. The atmosphere was so welcoming! We were so impressed that I reconsidered my initial college choices. Following that inspiring tour, we went to the Griot Black History Museum. Upon entering the first exhibit, there was a deep emotional connection. The film we watched at the museum was particularly moving, and the wax figures appeared remarkably lifelike. It felt as though I had traveled through time and witnessed history firsthand. The museum was interactive, and Ms. Ashley divided us into groups, each led by a staff member, to participate in a scavenger hunt focused on historic figures and events. We were given a question sheet from the Griot's staff and instructed to find the items listed. This encouraged us to engage with the exhibits and absorb the knowledge and history presented throughout the museum.
After our visit, we enjoyed some leisure time in the pool with our chaperones, which created a welcoming atmosphere and fostered a deeper connection and respect between the students and staff. Finally, we had dinner at a local favorite, Grace's Meat and Three, and the food was amazing!
On Day 4, as we prepared to head home, Ms. Ashley rewarded us for our good behavior and the valuable experiences we gained from the college visits by allowing us to explore the St. Louis Galleria Mall for some shopping. After our shopping excursion, we returned home. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the Upward Bound College Tour! A huge thank you to all the staff in Upward Bound and everyone else who made this trip possible!
