July 27, 2009

In Summer Programs, Selective Colleges Heighten High-School Students' Aspirations

Summer Programs for High-School Students 1

Jay Davis, SEAD

Two high-school students enrolled in the Summer Enrichment at Dartmouth program collect samples from a tidal pool. "We're trying to target not just the straight-A students, but the kids who could go either way," says Jay T. Davis, who directs the program.

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close Summer Programs for High-School Students 1

Jay Davis, SEAD

Two high-school students enrolled in the Summer Enrichment at Dartmouth program collect samples from a tidal pool. "We're trying to target not just the straight-A students, but the kids who could go either way," says Jay T. Davis, who directs the program.

By Ashley C. Killough

The metal detectors at Mark Wilson's high school reminded him daily of the danger that surrounded him in South Philadelphia, where several of his schoolmates had been killed.

So when he stepped onto the campus of Dartmouth College seven years ago, as a 14-year-old, it was a culture shock: "We didn't have to enter a set of gates. There were nice, gigantic buildings everywhere. People seemed to be actually enjoying themselves."

Mr. Wilson was one of 30 high-school students

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