On a bright day in late September, Paul Cuffee Middle School students started their path toward college by boarding buses headed to 13 colleges and universities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Each group of students went on a campus tour, participated in an informational meeting, and got a taste of college life by having lunch on the campus of what well might become their first choice for college a few years from now.
PCS Middle School students get a taste of campus life at one of the 13 colleges and universities different groups visited during College Day.
The 13 schools that students visited were chosen for the variety of programs they offer as well as for their locations, notes Middle School Dean of Students Victoria Tolbert-Bravo. “They represent most of the colleges and universities in the state as well as several in the Worcester area,” she says. “They also offer a variety of technical, liberal arts and business programs that our students plan to pursue.”
This annual College Day trip has become an integral part of the school’s program to prepare students for life after Cuffee. Beginning as early as 5th grade, guest speakers from all walks of life visit with the students to discuss careers, emphasizing the importance of staying in school and the value of higher education to future success.
College preparation is integral to Cuffee’s academic and other initiatives. Watch for the new college planning portion of our website, coming soon with a wealth of information on searching, applying, and paying for college.
Bryant University President Ronald Machtley (at right, in tie) greets PCS Middle School students as they arrive for their campus visit.