Clark State Community College will host students from the Champaign County Scholars program for student retreats Wednesday, March 20 and Friday, March 22.

“The purpose of Clark State Scholars retreats is to offer experiences focused around Clark State degree programs, career exploration, college readiness and student life for students,” said Kanesha Scott, director of the Scholars programs for Clark State.

Scott said students will learn through small group meetings, tours and hands-on experiences in various campus labs exposing them to the many options available at Clark State. “Our faculty, student services and admissions staff are pivotal in showcasing the great education available at Clark State during the retreats,” she said.

Approximately 40 eighth and ninth grade students are expected to attend the retreats from both Graham and Urbana local schools. Eighth grade students will tour the main campus on Leffel Lane in Springfield and participate in group activities. Ninth grade students will learn about the cadaver lab and participate in a cybersecurity activity. Lunch will be provided at both events.

Additional retreats will be held in May for new Scholars from Tecumseh and Shawnee local school districts.

“It is so important to have these visits so our first-generation college students in the program know what Clark State offers,” said Scott. “There are so many possibilities for their future with the Clark State Scholars scholarship.”

The Clark State Scholars program offers three years of college at Clark State at no cost to the students upon graduation. The Scholars program is working to offer students additional tools to help them be more successful in college, including more hands-on learning and how to navigate the FAFSA.

“The Foundation is proud to work with the communities we serve to prepare students for success,” said Toni Overholser, director of the Clark State Foundation. “We’re particularly proud of our Scholars program; this program not only provides scholarships to these first generation students, but we also work with them throughout their high school career to provide mentorship and assure they have the skills necessary to be successful in college.”