Some local children will walk in the footsteps of college kids this summer.
College for Kids invited 10- to 14-year-olds to attend classes at Santa Fe College, said Jennifer Mullis, Community Education Coordinator at Santa Fe. The summer program prepares students for what they will experience when they attend college later because they will be treated as if they were Santa Fe College students.
It was founded in 1998 to give children an opportunity to have fun and foster a “love of lifelong learning,” Mullis said.
“We’ve got a big focus on science and math classes and computer classes along with a variety of dance, yoga and sports classes as well,” Mullis said. “We offer over 60 classes.”
Students are not tested or given homework assignments because the program wants them to go to class and learn from knowledgeable teachers with other students who are just as motivated, according to College for Kids Coordinator Adenike Akinyode.
“The main goal is just to get the students excited about learning,” Akinyode said.
The children have two options: A half-day student takes three classes and pays $159, while a full-day student takes six classes and pays $318. Students also choose from two, two-week sessions, the most recent of which started Monday, according to the program’s website.
The first session, Mullis said, had about 170 children.
“They really get a feel for what it’s like to be in college without the pressure of tests and exams,” Mullis said.
“I would love for my kids to participate in this because I really liked the course offerings I saw listed,” said Becky Raulerson, a UF lecturer in the Agricultural Education and Communication Department and Union County School Board member. “There is a variety of courses that would relate to kids of all interests, including exercise and activity classes, classes on academic subjects, and even crafts and other courses for the artistic kiddos.”
Raulerson’s children, 8-year-old Karly Ann and 9-year-old Zeb, said they think the classes sound exciting.
When asked about a jewelry-making class, Karly Ann said she would definitely want to attend.
"And I want to do A Peek Inside - Anatomy and the Rocket Building class,” Zeb said.
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, computer labs, science labs and sports fields will be available to students, Mullis said.
The program’s second session began Monday and registration for it ended July 15.
