Our Starfish Scholars and Mentors outdid themselves this year. On May 12, our group of 270 was the largest turnout for one of our college visits, which dropped in on the Indianapolis-based Marian University.

Scholars heard presentations from admissions staff about what they look for in prospective students and from a 21st Century Scholar. The Scholars toured the campus, ate lunch in the college cafeteria and took part in some hands-on activities at the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab.

While the day is certainly filled with fun and new experiences, we have a very specific agenda for the Starfish program – getting our Scholars’ feet on campus sidewalks, walking the campus, seeing other students hoisting backpacks, and eating in a college food court all combine to make college real to the students in the low-income demographic we serve. A college visit allows Scholars to picture themselves on a campus. And they begin to realize that yes, maybe they do deserve to go to college. (You and I, of course, knew it all along.)

Thanks to our chaperones. Thanks to the many of you who mentor our Scholars. Thanks to those of you who donate to Starfish. Without the combined efforts of all, our Scholars wouldn’t be receiving the assistance and encouragement they need.