The summer semester can be slow on campus. During June, however, a small corner of campus was buzzing. 

Twenty-eight high school students came to campus to learn anything and everything about college. The program, Bear Partnership, is still in its early days, but it has provided invaluable experience for these students. 

Senior elementary education student, Lauren Floyd, acted as a guide for the high schoolers during their time on campus. 

“In the beginning, I was a little intimidated by the idea of mentoring high schoolers,” Floyd said. “I eventually committed to the experience of being a counselor, and it has been the best decision for myself.” 

It’s easy to forget the fear and apprehension high schoolers deal with when confronted with graduation and moving on to college. 

“When you are in high school, you are in the ‘safety’ zone,” Floyd said. “You see the same people you have grown up with each day.” 

The Bear Partnership program tries to make the transition to college easier. The program also hopes to introduce students to careers in education. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the week, students: 

• Participated in ACT preparation 
• Discussed financial aid 
• Toured the campus 
• Discussed managing stress in college 

The group also enjoyed Springfield classics like Lambert’s Café and a Springfield Cardinal’s game. 

Floyd had a lot to reflect on at the conclusion of the week. 

“I have grown and bonded with these students,” she said. “I have loved including them into my college experience, but I have also loved being included into their high school experiences.”