In an effort to introduce middle school students to higher education, the state of Virginia funds the Middle School Campus Visit Project. Patrick & Henry Community College is one of 10 Virginia higher ed institutions chosen, with grant funding helping the school host campus visits for local seventh-graders. They engage in campus activities, meet with Career Coaches, learn about dual enrollment, eat lunch on campus and more.

"The Middle School Campus Visit Project introduces young students to the possibilities of higher education, sparking their interest in postsecondary pathways early in their academic journey,” State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) director Scott Fleming told BTW21 News. “By creating age-appropriate and engaging activities, colleges and universities are inspiring students to see themselves as future college students and begin to believe in the high expectations we have for them."

The Middle School Campus Visit Project is part of SCHEV’s Level Up initiative that aims to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment and completion for students across the state.

Read more about it here.