By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – A summer-time program is underway at the University at Buffalo that encourages high school students to attend college.
It's called UB's Pre-collegiate program offered through the Graduate School of Education. This summer, 35 students are enrolled from both city and suburban schools. The students are participating in a six week media literacy project.
"It's a great opportunity for the kids," said instructor Suzanne Pfeifer. "They're exploring the university, seeing what college life is all about. They're exploring different careers and fields as well."
Last week, students toured the Buffalo News to learn about the newspaper and media industry. Pfeifer says this summer students are getting a glimpse of the media world as a possible career choice.
"Not only are the kids seeing the connections with the media, they're thinking about all the things they can do if they go to college and continue their education," Pfeifer said.
Michael Gayle leads the program. He says it is a great way to influence teens to attend college and examine future careers.
"The students are making connections between where they are now and what they can do in the future," Gayle said. "Sometimes it's not easy for them to see. But they are making those connections, and it's really exciting."
"I want to go to UB because it's a pretty good university," said Reynold Scott, a junior at Kenmore West High School.
Scott says he has enjoyed every aspect of the pre-collegiate program, from career options to campus life. Sophomore Lauren Gresham is from Amherst High School. She says plans to attend college and wants to become a lawyer.
"Experiencing college life and meeting and interacting with other people is a great," Gresham said. "I like it a lot."
Leaders of the pre-collegiate program also believe they are encouraging young students to stay in the region to help ease the so-called brain drain, convincing them to remain in the Buffalo area for school and work.