Knik Elementary students spend the day at Mat-Su College

PALMER — Matanuska-Susitna College was host to 144 fifth-grade students from Knik Elementary School as part of Kids2College program April 18.

The students were some of nearly 2,000 Alaska fifth- and sixth-graders from 17 communities that participated in the college and career exploration program.

Kids2College students visited college campuses to experience a day in the life of a college student. The fun included hands-on classes and age-appropriate lessons, studying Alaska Native cultures, planting seeds, understanding how plate tectonics can shake things up, and learning the fine art of communication are all ways Kids2College classes engage and stimulate career exploration and college preparation concepts.

To prepare for the visit, students explore various career pathways and present the information to their classmates. Kids2College also brings to the classroom volunteers from various professions to talk about their own college and career experiences. Along the way, students learn about academic options and the steps they can take now to prepare for college.

Kids2College teaches students about high school graduation and test requirements, college admissions, and how to qualify for financial aid opportunities like the Alaska Performance Scholarship.