This week, more than a dozen Albuquerque students ages 12-14 will explore the field of law at UNM and have a rare opportunity to experience college life first hand.
UNM's "Adventures in Learning Camp for Gifted and Talented Children," which is taking place Sunday, June 15 through Friday, June 20 on campus, is intended to expose the students to the University and all it has to offer them, said Fred Perez, department of recreational services director.
Perez and Recreactional Services Associate Director Jim Todd recruited the seventh and eighth graders from the Albuquerque area to participate in the pilot program designed to provide new opportunities for young New Mexico students.
"We hope to create a diverse group of clientele for UNM," Perez said. "We do a great deal of recruitment but we tend to focus on students from high-risk environments and first generation high school graduates."
Perez said all APS and private schools, as well as home-schooled children, were included in the search.
The idea for the program came from Texas A&M course of the week, students will be introduced to the field of law, but at the same time will experience what it means to be a college student.
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Not only will the students live in the dorms, eat in the dining hall and attend class, but also they will be exposed to numerous extracurricular activities. Students will visit a judicial courthouse, meet judges, tour a law firm and participate in and try their own case in a mock trial.
"We hope that this program will show the students that college is not just about what you learn in the classroom. It is what you do outside of the classroom that keeps you connected," Perez said.
Meagan Hadley, a 14-year-old home-school student who is participating in the camp, agrees that the wide variety of activities has given her and her peers a glimpse at what college would be like at UNM.
"The camp has showed me that I have many opportunities for my future," Hadley said. "After living in the dorms, meeting the professors and just being on campus, I would definitely consider coming to UNM. This experience has changed my mind about the University."
Austin Curtis, 13, of Hope Christian School, also a participant in this year's camp, said that the week's agenda has given him a taste of what it means to be a college student.
"All week, we have been going to class and learning about law to prepare for our mock trial," he said. "We get to tour law firms and court houses. I really think that this experience is valuable. I hope to do the camp again next year."
Though only in its first year, Perez hopes to continue the program in the future and to gain the support of the UNM community.
"I think this is a fantastic opportunity for UNM," Perez said. "We are offering a unique experience that will not only benefit the students, but the University as well. I believe that this program has a lot of potential."
