MEA Tours Give Minneapolis High School Students a Glimpse Into College Life

During the 3-day MEA break for students, Project Success led 115 high school students from Minneapolis on tours to six different college campuses in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These tours were designed to introduce students to college life, helping them envision their futures beyond high school and sparking thoughts about their own paths to higher education.

Their days kicked off with a Project Success workshop aimed at preparing students for college visits by helping them identify their values, generate questions for the college representatives, explore financial aid resources and make informed choices about their post-secondary options. Each campus visit included an admissions presentation where students had the chance to ask questions about academics, campus life, financial aid, and the admissions process. Students were able to better understand what colleges look for in prospective students and hear about the resources and opportunities each institution offers.

After the presentations, students were taken on guided walking tours around each campus. This firsthand experience allowed them to get a feel for each college’s unique environment. Walking through student centers, libraries, dorms, and lecture halls, students could picture themselves as college students and begin to imagine how each setting might influence their own college experience. To add an authentic student life experience, students either ate meals in campus dining halls, or ventured to nearby restaurants with PS staff members.

In preparing for these tours, Project Success facilitators encouraged students to consider what factors matter most to them in a college experience. For some, the size and location of the college might be key; for others, access to specific programs, extracurriculars, or support services may be a deciding factor. After the tours, students were given time to reflect on their day and consider whether the campuses they visited matched their aspirations and priorities for college.

The MEA college tours gave students a chance to get a real feel for college life. From exploring campuses to chatting with current students, they got a taste of what life after high school could look like. By the end of the day, many of them had a better idea of what they might want in a college and what’s important to them. Project Success is thrilled to be part of helping these students take a first step toward their next big adventure!

Hear from the students

“I gained a better understanding in what I want to study and realized I want to go to the UMN.”

“This College Tour made me more excited and interested in college.”

“I learned that there are so many resources that can help me to be successful as a college student.”

“I gained a better understanding of what I want in a college.”

“I figured out what I want my college life to be like.”