Kaskaskia College Builds Foundation For Future College Students In Summer Program For Kids

With the school year winding down and summer about to begin, Kaskaskia College wants to create the next generation of college students with its Kids in College at Kaskaskia (KICK) program. Designed for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, the KICK program offers a variety of classes over the summer across KC’s main campus and education centers.

Classes will be offered at the Centralia Crisp Technology Center and the Greenville, Nashville, Salem, Trenton and Vandalia Education Centers. The classes cover a wide range of disciplines that include fun, interactive lessons and vary in cost, including some free courses. Students who attend KICK classes will be registered in the KC system and will get familiar with how Kaskaskia College operates. Students have gone on from the KICK program to graduate from KC.

“We try to create an environment where our KICK students feel ownership of their college experience," said Cydney Richardson, the KC Coordinator of Workforce Development and Community Education. "It's incredibly fulfilling for me to witness one of our KICK kids crossing the stage at graduation. It's exciting to see them progress through the years from their first time in a kids class through graduation. Our objective is to ensure they feel a sense of belonging and comfort here. This college is already their home; there's nothing intimidating about it."

There are multiple exciting, creative classes being offered like multiple different Lego classes, including Exploring Galaxies Far Far Away with Lego Bricks and Lego Robotics. Dungeons and Dragons, Learn Japanese, Be a Magician and Wild Science are just a few more of the immersive classes being offered.

“This is a fun and educational experience, offering kids a chance to socialize with peers they wouldn't typically encounter," said Richardson. "We welcome students from various schools, so they won't necessarily be in class with kids from their everyday routines. This program empowers them to explore independently while into timely topics and engaging activities."

Thanks to generous donations from several community organizations, Kaskaskia College will offer classes at the Vandalia Education Center at no cost. Students will also be given either a science lab kit or an art kit to continue their learning journey beyond the classroom. The three classes in Vandalia are Kids in the Lab, Drawing for Kids and Painting for Kids. To register online for all classes at locations use website: https://www.kaskaskia.edu/wdce/continuing-and-community-education/programs-for-kids/#:~:text=The%20Kids%20In%20College%20at,enjoy%20a%20summer%20of%20learning.

Kaskaskia College is a public community college in Centralia, Illinois, within South Central Illinois District 501, serving all or part of nine counties, including Bond, Clinton, Fayette, Marion, Washington, Jefferson, St. Clair, Madison, and Montgomery. Committed to making education accessible, they host the Centralia Crisp Technology Center and have education centers in Greenville, Nashville, Salem, Trenton, and Vandalia, Illinois. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the college, which offers a broad spectrum of degrees, programs, and certification options, specializing in two-year associate degrees and trade school programs. Founded in 1940, Kaskaskia College was the first Class I Community College established in Illinois.