College Tours Help Students Envision Life After Graduation

College Tours Open New Pathways for PCA Students

Philadelphia Continuation Academy is committed to helping students graduate with a post-secondary plan, and this fall, two college tours offered juniors and seniors the chance to imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Exploring College Life at Lincoln University

School Director Diana Abellard took a group of students to Lincoln University, a historic black college and university (HBCU) located in Oxford Township, Pennsylvania. For many, stepping onto a college campus felt like stepping into a future they didn’t know was possible.

“Many of our students have had some difficulty in their traditional schools both academically and behaviorally,” said Abellard. “Because of that, they don’t believe college is attainable. Having them experience the campus and speak to college admission personnel makes the idea of higher education something that can actually be achieved.”

What Students Learned During Their College Tour Experience

During the Lincoln visit, students attended an in-depth information session covering admissions requirements, financial aid, student organizations, and the university’s deep historical roots. Abellard said students were surprised to learn how old Lincoln University is and were captivated by its rich legacy. They also enjoyed learning about Black fraternities and sororities, known as the Divine Nine, and the traditions of service and community they represent. Students especially loved touring the freshman residence halls, where many found themselves imagining what life on campus might look like.

“Our student demographic is made up of predominantly Black and African American students. It’s important that they are exposed to HBCUs as an option for those looking to learn more about their history while earning their degree in an institution that understands their Black experience,” she said.

A Second College Tour Reveals New Career Paths

Student Services Coordinator Tiffany Davis offered students a second, very different experience through a visit to Walnut Hill College. It is a culinary school in downtown Philadelphia. This trip gave students a hands-on look at a career path many had not previously considered. They spent the day preparing a four-course meal and then enjoyed it in a fine dining setting. The experience sparked new conversations about job opportunities, salaries, and the diverse careers within the food industry.

“After the Walnut Hill College trip, students shared how they enjoyed the experience of making gourmet meals,” Abellard said. “One student shared that he aspires to be a chef one day.”

College Tours Change How Students See Their Future

The trips also helped shift the types of questions students asked about life after high school. Prior to the visits, college felt distant, something they weren’t sure applied to them. “Students would ask questions like, ‘What is living on campus like?’ Their questions became more targeted toward majors, financing, and distance when we actually began to visit schools. It became more real,” she said.

So real in fact that students seriously began contemplating attending Lincoln University. “After the trip, one of the students pulled me to the side and asked, ‘Ms. A, do you really think I could get in here?’ And I responded, ‘Yeah … why not?’ The hope is that we expose students to the college experience so they may begin to realize their full potential. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to see themselves beyond their current circumstances.”