As the air grows colder, the college application season is heating up for high school students across Maryland. For seniors, Early Action (EA) deadlines are here, while juniors are diving into the early stages of their college search. This month, MBRT’s Next Generation Scholars (NGS) students have been on the move, exploring their postsecondary options firsthand with visits to Salisbury University. Additional visits to institutions including Morgan State and Garrett College are on the horizon, offering students across five counties an invaluable glimpse into college life.
Highlights from Salisbury University Visits
On November 7, 37 NGS students from Kent County High School traveled to Salisbury University, followed by another group of 37 from Caroline County on November 13. These visits, made possible through funding and coordination by MBRT, provided students with a unique and comprehensive campus experience, including:
- Engaging Information Sessions: Hosted by current graduate students, the sessions covered academics, admissions, scholarships, and campus life, equipping students with valuable insights to guide their college decisions.
- In-Depth Campus Tours: Led by student guides, participants explored academic buildings, dorm rooms, and unique campus features such as the Ocean City-inspired library and the one-of-a-kind glass-blowing lab.
- Tasting Campus Life: MBRT provided students the opportunity to enjoy lunch at SU’s Commons Dining Hall, giving them a true taste of college dining.
- Alumni Connections: Both groups reconnected with MBRT alumni now thriving at Salisbury University, creating a full-circle moment of inspiration and encouragement.
By covering the costs of these visits, MBRT ensures that students—many of whom might not otherwise have this opportunity—can fully immerse themselves in the college experience. The impact of these visits is clear. Post-visit surveys conducted by MBRT staff revealed that 100% of students found the experience positive and plan to use what they learned in their college search.
Why College Visits Matter
For students, especially those who may be the first in their families to pursue higher education, visiting a college campus is more than just a field trip; it’s a transformative opportunity to envision themselves as part of a new community. These visits, facilitated and fully funded by MBRT, are designed to eliminate barriers that often prevent students from accessing this critical step in the college search process.
By covering costs such as transportation and meals, MBRT ensures that students who may not have the means to visit on their own can experience campus life firsthand. From exploring dorm layouts to engaging with current students, these visits provide invaluable insights that help students assess whether a school aligns with their academic, social and emotional needs.
Details like the walking distance between campus buildings, the taste of dining hall food, or the vibe of a classroom can be pivotal in a student’s decision-making process—nuances that no brochure or website can replicate. For many participants, MBRT’s commitment to making these visits possible opens the door to possibilities they might never have considered otherwise, empowering them to make informed choices about their futures.
Looking Ahead
MBRT’s commitment to career pathways that include college access doesn’t stop with Salisbury University. Upcoming visits to Morgan State, Garrett College and additional institutions will continue to open doors for additional MBRT NGS students in Dorchester, Wicomico and Allegany counties. These trips serve as a vital step in ensuring that all students, regardless of their economic circumstances, can envision and achieve a bright future.
Student Insights
Survey feedback from students revealed the specific insights they gained and their curiosity about the next steps in the college application process. Responses to the question “After today’s visit, I would like to learn more about:” reflect a range of interests and aspirations, including:
- “Financial Aid”
- “Application Process and Scholarship Funding”
- “Rules and requirements for being a student athlete”
- “The Communication major and Business Management and Administration major”
- “The basketball team and class schedules”
- “Nursing programs”
- “Other colleges—it is awesome!”
The visit sparked enthusiasm, with students expressing a strong interest in Salisbury University’s programs and campus. One student was so inspired that they declared their intention to commit to SU’s Class of 2029, while others added SU to their Common App list, ensuring the campus visit will shape their next steps.
Continuing the Journey
To build on the momentum of these fall campus visits, MBRT program alumni at Salisbury University will be invited to join panel discussions at their former high schools and participate in MBRT’s Speakers Bureau, sharing their journeys and inspiring future scholars.
Through these experiences, MBRT remains steadfast in its mission to empower Maryland students with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to develop pathways to careers they envision.
