SUMMER: EBCI Students Aaron Driver and Bekah Panther participate in a “trust exercise” at Mars Hill University as part of a recent Summer Youth College Experience visit to the school. (Photo by Jaime McKee/Mars Hill University public relations)
MARS HILL – The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Higher Education & Training office recently partnered with Mars Hill University to offer EBCI Summer Youth College Experience (SYCE) participants a weeklong college immersion experience.
The SYCE participants were provided with student IDs that allowed them entry into the residence halls and dining facilities. They worked with Mars Hill University’s admissions and financial aid counselors to learn the process of applying for admission and financial aid. Students also studied a college preparation curriculum throughout the week, learning about notetaking strategies, time management, study skills, and reading strategies. They also attended college courses in personal finance and health education.
During their visit, the students had the opportunity to speak and interact with current Mars Hill University students and learn more about college life, and to meet the university’s new president, Tony Floyd. Not only did they hit the books, they also participated in several outdoor activities like sand volleyball, making s’mores, and swimming.
Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed stated, “The SCYE is such a tremendous opportunity for our enrolled member students to be able to experience what campus life is going to be like. Secretary of Education Bradley and I both believed that changing the program from basic tours of campuses to an experiential learning opportunity would help better equip our students for their first year on campus. I am very grateful to Mars Hill President Floyd and former President Dan Lunsford and their team for working with us to get this new program launched so quickly.”
EBCI Higher Education & Training officials said, “We would like to thank the Principal Chief’s Office and the Office of the President of Mars Hill University for initiating this important program. We would also like to thank the faculty, staff, and students of Mars Hill for their gracious hospitality. Finally, a special thank you to the parents of the SYCE participants for providing resources and support and for allowing us to provide their children with this on-campus experience.”
– EBCI Higher Education & Training
