Campus visits inspire dreams about college and careers. But the annual Possibilities Pre-College Conference helps P2P students consider college for themselves. The conference includes a segment for parents about ACT tests, financial aid and successful college entry. Last November Gail De Young '76 organized a Possibilities conference in Rehoboth, New Mexico, for 77 kids in grades 9 through 12. At the conference, Calvin professors taught classes and Rebohoth staff led outdoor challenges.
College is a financial stretch for first-generation families.
Many parents don't speak English well. They're fearful of the system. But the conference showed our kids they can succeed if they know how to use the system. Several told me, 'I really do want to go to college. While leading church school, GEMS and Cadets, Klaasen and her husband have watched Sun Valley kids mature.