2015 2015: 900+ New Bedford 7th graders to visit UMass Dartmouth campus through CONNECT Partnership College Immersion Program

Middle school students from New Bedford to gain college experience and take part in card making service project for seniors

Over a three day span, beginning September 28, UMass Dartmouth will welcome more than 900 7^thgraders from New Bedford for a tour of the entire campus. The visit is made possible through the college immersion program of CONNECT, a southeastern Massachusetts public higher education partnership. The goal of the program is to have every 7^th grader from the six gateway cities of the region to visit one of the public higher education institutions this fall.

Students from Keith Middle School (September 28), Normandin Middle School (September 30), and Roosevelt Middle School (October 2) will gain the college experience by visiting and engaging with faculty and students from UMass Dartmouth’s Charlton College of Business, College of Nursing, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering, and College of Visual & Performing Arts.

Students will also get the chance to visit the Claire T. Carney Library, Residence and Dining Halls, learn about UMass Dartmouth’s 130 student clubs and organizations, and receive a tour of the Fitness Center to learn about the University’s wellness initiatives. The visit will end with a card making service project for seniors organized by UMass Dartmouth’s Leduc Center for Civic Engagement.

The 7^th graders will be welcomed by Chancellor Divina Grossman and mascot Arnie the Corsair. For a more detailed schedule of the three day college immersion program at UMass Dartmouth contact Joe Sullivan (jsullivan15@umassd.edu; 508-542-6919).

CONNECT is a partnership of the five public higher education institutions in Southeastern Massachusetts: Bridgewater State University, Bristol Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Massasoit Community College, and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.  Established in 2003, CONNECT has two primary goals: to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of higher education; and to advance the economic, educational and cultural life of Southeastern Massachusetts. CONNECT realizes its mission by focusing on four major areas, with activities and initiatives that enhance academic programs and ease transfer of students among the institutions; foster economic development through the region; promote cultural programs and projects; and share expertise and resources. The executive officers of the CONNECT institutions act cooperatively to strengthen their institutional missions and to enrich the life of the region.

UMass Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a vibrant public university actively engaged in personalized teaching and innovative research, and acting as an intellectual catalyst for regional economic, social, and cultural development. UMass Dartmouth's mandate to serve its community is realized through countless partnerships, programs, and other outreach efforts to engage the community, and apply its knowledge to help address local issues and empower others to facilitate change for all.