Middle Schoolers Take Three-Day College Tour

Nearly 40 Students from Four Schools Visited Several Campuses

While many students were settling into their summer routines, 37 ambitious middle schoolers from across Fayette County Public Schools spent a week envisioning their futures. 

A joint expedition from Bryan Station, Crawford, Edythe J. Hayes, and Lexington middle schools hit the road June 15 for an intensive college tour across the Commonwealth. The goal was to expose students to the wide variety of higher education paths in their home state. Over three days, the group explored six campuses – each offering a unique size, focus, and environment:

• Morehead State University
• Kentucky State University
• Georgetown College
• Midway University
• Northern Kentucky University
• Gateway Community & Technical College

This was not just a sightseeing trip; our students dove deep into the mechanics of college life. The staff coordinators took copious notes, and the youngsters took daily quizzes to test their knowledge on the ins and outs of each school. Throughout the week, the students:

• Explored different majors and specialized programs
• Ate at campus dining halls and toured student centers
• Saw how college life extends beyond the classroom, as in athletics and club activities
• Gained early insights into how to make higher education affordable

“They did an amazing job. They were really paying attention and absorbing what they learned,” said Madeline Potter, the Youth Services Center coordinator at Hayes.

The immersion strategy clearly paid off. Staff noted how their students were incredibly locked-in, asking sharp questions, and genuinely engaging with campus tour guides. For some, the trip was transformative. Several were so thrilled by what they experienced that they announced definitive plans to apply to their favorite campuses the moment they are old enough.

By introducing these concepts in middle school, FCPS continues to bridge the gap between early education and future career readiness -- proving it is never too early to start dreaming big!