The University of Lynchburg will welcome hundreds of middle and high school students later this month. From May 23-26, the University will host Beacon of Hope’s 8th Grade College and Career Readiness Symposium. On May 24, local high school students will attend Health Sciences Day at Lynchburg.
In its eighth year, the symposium introduces eighth grade students to future career and college opportunities. According to Beacon of Hope Executive Director Laura Hamilton, students will “recognize that choices they make now can affect their options at graduation, and be more aware of the many pathways to careers that our region can offer.”
The event brings together more than 600 students over three days, allowing them to “see themselves” on a local college campus, Hamilton said.
On Monday, May 23, the University will welcome around 200 students from Dunbar Middle School; on Tuesday, May 24, roughly 190 students from Linkhorne Middle School; and on Thursday, May 26, about 180 students from Sandusky Middle School and the Virtual Academy.
Students are divided into four symposium groups, with 30-minute-long sessions spread around campus in various academic buildings. Sessions start at 10 a.m. after a brief welcome and end at 12:40 p.m. with a college tailgate, including lunch and activities, in the Dell.
Session topics range from “College 101” to “Google Mapping Your Future” to “How to Slay in College,” among others.
Health Sciences Day on Tuesday, May 24, is an all-day event that will include invited students from Jefferson Forest, Brookville, and Amherst high schools. They’ll learn from University of Lynchburg faculty and try out various health sciences in the cadaver lab, at the Anatomage table, in the nursing facility, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy and PA Medicine buildings. Each activity will last one hour.
For questions about Health Sciences Day, contact Admissions Director Susan Hogg at 434.544.8305 or hogg_sr@lynchburg.edu.
For questions about the Beacon of Hope 8th Grade Symposium, contact:
- Laura Hamiton, LBOH executive director, 434.610.8131/laura@beaconofhopelynchburg.org
- Leidra McQueen, LBOH associate director, 434.941.3145/leidra@beaconofhopelynchburg.org
- Dr. Chris GLover, LBOH director of strategy and programs, 434.851.6174/Chris@beaconofhopelynchburg.org
