In partnership with the Texas Association of College Admission Counseling (TACAC), Lamar University hosted Camp College June 11-13. The college preparation program helps prepare students from across the state of Texas for the college application process. 

Through an application process, 100 rising high school seniors were invited to attend Camp College. 

During the program that drew 120 total participants, students receive assistance identifying schools that match their interests and needs. They will write an application essay, create a resume and learn to navigate the financial aid process. They also attend a college fair and connect with college counseling professionals who provide valuable tips and insight into the application process.

“Having the opportunity to host Camp College was a huge success for the Lamar University community,” said Natalie Rhodes, an admissions counselor at Lamar University. “As an alumna and an employee of LU, I was thrilled to see the student’s faces as they saw our housing, recreational center, and Starbucks on campus. Also, the mentors (who were from all over the United States) had wonderful things to say about our campus.”

“I believe this event allowed rising seniors to see how wonderful Lamar University truly is,” Rhodes said. “Camp College was a humbling experience, especially meeting students from across the state with unique stories and dreams, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of such a rewarding event hosted at my alma mater.”

Elizabeth Jones, associate director of college counseling, at the Hockaday School, an independent, college-preparatory day and boarding school for girls in Dallas, said "Camp College was an empowering experience for so many kids. Students left Camp College motivated to pursue a college education all thanks to Lamar University's generosity, vision, and collaboration with TACAC."

"With this being the first campus exposure for most attendees, they were able to see what the experience will be like when they go to college in the fall of 2019. I was impressed at how Lamar University rolled out the red carpet for the students,” said Aaron Cook, a regional admissions representative with the University of Missouri. “From the residence halls to the dining hall, the campus and staff helped these students to envisions themselves as college students. The camp is an incredible way to help these students' through the college admission process. It's so exciting to see them discover their voice and start practicing self-advocacy."

"TACAC is a wonderful organization that prides itself on advocating for students and their opportunities for a better life through education. Camp College feeds directly into this mission through the work of wonderful volunteers representing numerous high schools and colleges both in an out of Texas,” said Tony Sarda, director of recruitment at Lamar University. “We're proud that Lamar University was able to host everyone at Camp College this year and show them everything that our incredible campus has to offer."