b'DREAMING BIGPHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULUFifth graders get a taste of college life at Chaminade University of HonoluluBy Kathleen NelsonO n a campus with 1,500 students, an extra 200The program hopes to fill gaps that are noticeable, stand outeven when theyre a footnot just in Hawaii but nationally. A study published shorter than their college colleagues. Thats whatin Research in Middle Level Education suggests thathappens for two days in February, when Chaminadeexperiencing college life through campus visits and University of Honolulu welcomes a diminutive cohortmentoring experiences with teachers can improve of fifth graders from Catholic schools in Hawaii forperceptions about college among at-risk middle a taste of college life. school students.I dont think I was thinking about college in fifthBro. Ed noted that the problem has a sharper focus grade, said Marianist Brother Ed Brink, who hasamong the people Chaminade serves. taught fifth graders as part of Chaminades I Go ToHawaii has educational gaps. People think they College program. We want the kids to know earlycant do it, cant afford it, so why apply? said Bro. that theres a Catholic university (in Hawaii) and thatEd, who served as vice president for mission and they are talking to their parents about it. Long-term,rector at Chaminade and is currently director of that could have a powerful effect on Chaminade.novices in Dayton, Ohio. Thats the barrier were Above: Fifth graders were all smiles during their I Go To College day at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Opposite page: Students pay close attention to biology professor Mindy McDerrmott in one of the class sessions during their day.8Call 1.800.348.4732'