While many students spend spring break relaxing, College Now students hit the road, and the skies, for eye-opening college tours and cultural experiences that spanned cities and states. From bustling city campuses to scenic college towns, students in our GEAR UP and Upward Bound programs took full advantage of their time off school to envision their futures.

Hitting the Road: GEAR UP College Tours

GEAR UP students from Clearview, Mansfield and Bedford High Schools set off on road trips that brought them to the campuses of Kent State University, the University of Akron, Xavier University, the University of Louisville, The Ohio State University, Youngstown State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Winston-Salem State University and more.

Each stop provided a glimpse into a different kind of college experience – large and small campuses, urban and suburban settings and a range of academic offerings. Along the way, students soaked in the experiences of new cities, bonding with each other and imagining what life might be like in each of these new environments.

Exploring New Regions with Upward Bound

Upward Bound students from Warrensville Heights and Shaw High Schools journeyed east to explore Hiram College, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Their peers from Normandy and Valley Forge High Schools headed north to Michigan, touring Wayne State University, University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan Dearborn.

But one trip stood out above the rest. A select group of Upward Bound students from Warrensville Heights, Normandy and Valley Forge flew to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the Global Leadership Symposium. This once-in-a-lifetime experience blended cultural immersion with educational exploration, including a visit to the University of Puerto Rico. From the history and energy of Old San Juan to thoughtful leadership workshops, students expanded their worldview in unforgettable ways.

Local Learning with impact!

Not every adventure required a suitcase. Our impact! students also explored colleges closer to home in Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati and other nearby cities. These local visits were just as meaningful, offering students the chance to see what opportunities exist in their own backyards.

Inspiring Futures, One Trip at a Time

These spring break journeys weren’t just about sightseeing – they were about self-discovery. For many students, it was their first time on a college campus or in a new city. Each stop sparked new questions, new dreams and new plans.

Whether traveling across the city or across the sea, students returned with memories, a better understanding of their postsecondary options and a newfound excitement for what lies ahead. Spring break never looked so bright!