Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is hosting a daylong summer camp for youth in foster care to help them meet new people, get a taste for college life, and learn leadership skills.

About 25 campers will spend June 11 on MGA’s Macon Campus, checking out the residence halls, eating at dining facilities, meeting current students and faculty, and attending various events. The one-day event, part of a University System of Georgia initiative, is free to high school youth who apply and includes meals and transportation.

"MGA wanted to participate because youth who are experiencing foster care in Georgia need to be exposed to college life to discover new opportunities,” said Grace Adams-Square, an assistant professor of political science who is coordinating the event. “It is our hope that the students who participate in the summer camp will consider Middle Georgia State University after learning about the variety of college majors, meeting leaders, visiting the dorms, interacting with college mentors, and seeing how MGA can make a positive difference in their futures.”

MGA is among the nearly 20 University System of Georgia (USG) institutions hosting the summer camps for foster care youth. Some of the camps are one-day events while others are anywhere from two to 10 days.

Adams-Square said the camp is grant-funded by the USG. Dr. David Biek, dean of MGA’s School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, submitted a proposal on behalf of MGA so the University could become one of the participating institutions.

MGA’s camp will last from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 11. In addition to participating in fun activities with other students, participants will hear from admissions counselors, financial aid representatives, and faculty to learn about getting ready for the next step in their education.

Area high school youth in foster care who are interested in participating in MGA’s program can apply by accessing the QR code on the flyer or at https://www.fanning.uga.edu/precollegiate-summer-program/.