College Is For Me, a Rotary program of elementary school presentations, is just getting organized for 2004. This is part of a larger advocacy effort to encourage youth from homes where college is perhaps neither a financial option or a priority, to think seriously about educational opportunities beyond high school. Presenters are needed to visit three Wooster's elementary schools during the week of April 26 - April 30. Rotary members, family and friends who are interested in going into Lincoln Way, Melrose or Cornerstone Schools to help carry the message to third through sixth graders are encouraged to email or .
Presentations last about 30 minutes and are based on personal and professional experiences. This isn't a career day situation although information about one's career, profession or avocations are very pertinent and interesting to kids. The focus is on building aspirations and the method is the sharing of your background and experience and your believe that education has made a significant and positive contribution to your life. This does not require a lot of preparation and is lots of fun. It's also a great way to get into the schools and relate to both students and teachers on a personal level. Persons who have been non-traditional students or who have faced unusual financial, personal, professional or physical challenges are especially encouraged to participate because of the uniqueness of these perspectives. A child's hope for the future may come from hearing about how another real person has faced similar challenges and triumphed.