More than 100 Northern Kentucky middle school students are spending part of their summer on a college campus through an expanded “College Bound Camp” designed to inspire students to pursue higher education long before they enter high school.
Now in its second year, the program will serve 110 students this summer, including 55 incoming sixth graders and 55 incoming seventh graders from Northern Kentucky’s river city communities. Unlike a traditional summer camp, College Bound Camp follows the same group of students year after year, providing a multi-year experience that looks to build college awareness and confidence over time.
EducateNKY partners with Northern Kentucky University, Partners for Change and six river city school districts to deliver the program.
“Students begin forming ideas about their futures much earlier than many people realize,” said Cheye Calvo, president and CEO of EducateNKY. “When young people have the opportunity to experience a college campus and begin seeing themselves in higher education during middle school, we can help expand what’s possible for their future. This program gives students that opportunity while creating a long-term support system that grows alongside them.”
The program was created in response to a significant regional challenge. Across Bellevue, Covington, Dayton, Ludlow, Newport and Southgate, fewer than 40% of high school graduates enroll in college. Research shows early exposure to college campuses and structured academic support can increase college aspirations, enrollment and participation in advanced coursework.
College Bound Camp focuses on five areas:
- Academic preparedness through activities that strengthen core skills while introducing students to GPA, course selection and college expectations.
- Leadership development that emphasizes teamwork, confidence, communication and goal setting.
- College and career exploration through direct interaction with NKU faculty and staff.
- Multi-year engagement, with students returning each summer to continue building on previous experiences.
- Family engagement that keeps parents and schools connected throughout the program.
District educators work alongside NKU faculty to develop curriculum, supervise students and help monitor long-term academic progress, allowing organizers to measure outcomes over time rather than offering a one-time opportunity.
“Preparing students for postsecondary success begins long before high school,” said Senior Director, P-12 Programs at NKU, Carolyn Noe. “By introducing students to college early and supporting them year after year, we’re helping them build the confidence, skills and aspirations needed to pursue higher education.”
Program organizers plan to continue expanding College Bound Camp by adding a new cohort of incoming sixth-grade students each year, extending summer programming and introducing near-peer mentoring opportunities that connect returning students with younger participants.
The long-term goal is to follow participating students through high school and beyond to better understand the program’s impact on academic achievement and college enrollment.
