University News

Rural Students Invited to Attend Free WIU Summer Camp

June 12, 2024


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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University will host a free, overnight summer camp starting Tuesday, July 16 at the Macomb campus.

The camp is a part of WIU's Addressing Equity Gaps Among Rural Students (AEGARS) project, which earned a Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development grant from the Department of Education in February. It is available for any high school-age student from Cass, Schuyler, Warren, Knox, Rock Island, McDonough and other rural counties in our region.


The focus of the program is to increase higher education access to students of low income, students of color and students who speak a language other than English at home. The camp will teach the basics of applying for college, explore different career opportunities and provide many outdoor activities for students to enjoy. Attendees will spend the night in the WIU residence halls, and meals will be provided.

"At WIU, we take pride in providing opportunities for social mobility, and this year we are excited to welcome high school students from our region to our AEGARS Summer Camp," Interim Provost and Academic Vice President Mark Mossman said.

WIU Political Science Professor Julia Albarracín, who serves as the AEGARS project principal investigator, said the students will have an opportunity to learn in a fun environment on the campus.

"We are excited about this opportunity to open WIU's doors to students in nearby rural areas," said. "We want to show off the benefits of a college education while having fun through multiple activities on campus."

To register or learn more about WIU's summer camp, visit https://bit.ly/4ef2vJ3. You can also reach Melissa Telles with any questions at ma-telles@wiu.edu or by phone at 309-252-0721.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing