Youth University

The calender may say June, but a group of kids is hard at work in a classroom over the summer. But it's not all hard work. 

The kindergarten and middle school students have signed up for Youth University. It's a fun, academic day camp on the U.T.C. campus.

Youth University Superintendent Beth Dodd explains, "We have math classes, science classes, art, reading, all kinds of different sports programs, swimming classes, tennis, soccer. If we can think of it, we tend to offer a class for it."

Youth University runs for 8 weeks in the summer time. Now in its 20th year, the idea behind the program is to give kids a taste of college life. They do that by bringing the students on campus, to learn, and have fun.

Student Alyssa Thompson is excited about the program. "I've been learning how to dive, play soccer, and actually swim a little better."

There is a cost to the program. But this summer, the Director of the Center for Community Career Education at U.T.C. got some good news: a grant to help 50 kids attend Youth University who otherwise couldn't afford it.

Student Destaneh Nichols enjoys her classes her classes at Youth University, noting, "It teaches you something about college."

"Learning is life long," says Superintendent Beth Dodd. "We start them as early as we can get them in here, and hope to keep them going as long as they're breathing."