Getting to college takes a lot of hard work, but an immersion program in South Bend is teaching kids that college is an attainable goal.
Eighth graders from Jefferson Intermediate spent the day at IUSB Friday. The experience focuses on students who could be "first generation" college students.
Participants talked about setting goals to make college a reality in the future. "The more they put into the program the more they're going to get out of it," explains Jefferson teacher Michael Choinacky. "It's never too early to start thinking about college."
Student Riley Oehlwein wants to be a pastry chef and own her own business. "You have to put your grades first and you have to work for it. It doesn't just get handed to you."
Another student, Jalen Williams is hoping to study astronomy. "I know I'm going to college for sure. I just don't know exactly what for yet. I'm young and I have a lot of stuff to do."
The program continues next Friday, with another group of students getting the college experience.
Correction: Michael Choinacky's name was originally misspelled. That has been corrected.
