Discovering College Life: Oxford College’s Summer Experience Program
Each summer, Oxford College of Emory University provides a transformative opportunity for high school students from Hall County’s Ivester Early College Academy, Newton County School System, and the Putnam County Charter School System through its Summer Experience Program.
This week-long experience aims to immerse rising sophomores and juniors in the collegiate, academic, and social environment of a college.
“One of Oxford College’s strategic goals is to deepen relationships within our community to enhance the quality of life of Newton County and the surrounding areas. This program aligns perfectly with that goal by providing local students with a glimpse of college life at a top liberal arts college, while also helping them prepare for post-secondary education and the workforce.”
Participating students engage in college-level courses taught by Oxford faculty in subjects such as anthropology, math, and creative writing. These classes not only challenge students intellectually but also expose them to the expectations and rigor of higher education.
“I really wanted to be a part of the Summer Experience Program because I wanted to have the opportunity to engage with students before they get to college,” says Lexie Orozco, Professor of Anthropology. “I was a first-generation student myself and often struggled to see myself as a scientist, even through the end of my dissertation research! So today I find it very important to be a part of helping students see themselves as scientists from a young age.”
Beyond academics, the program includes workshops focused on college readiness. Topics covered include the importance of higher education, high school course selection, understanding different types of colleges, creating a college list, navigating the application process, and exploring financial aid options. Additional sessions on study skills, essay writing, and building connections with faculty equip students with the tools to succeed in college.
The program balances academic pursuits and enrichment activities, with a focus on personal growth and community engagement. Students participate in health and wellness sessions, self-discovery exercises, community service projects, and team-building activities. Recreational events, including games, competitions, and social events, such as a movie night and an ice cream truck coming to campus, all while fostering camaraderie and offering a glimpse into campus life.
“This experience helped me kind of decide what I want going into college and how I should approach everything,” said one student from the Newton College Career Academy. “Living on campus for a week gave me a better idea of what I want in college. Sometimes it feels like you’re boxed in if you’re not going to big state colleges or universities, so this opened things up for me.”
Living in double-occupancy dorm rooms, students experience the independence and responsibility that come with college residency. Meals are provided in the campus dining hall, accommodating a variety of dietary needs. Chaperones from the students' school systems oversee the residential aspect, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
This program is open to 30 students from each participating school system. Interested students should contact their school counselors for details on application procedures and deadlines.
Oxford College’s Summer Experience Program offers a comprehensive introduction to college life, blending academic rigor with personal development and community engagement.
This program has taught me that I do want to go to a smaller school like Oxford. Being in a county with big class sizes, this showed me how much I benefit from smaller classrooms and getting closer to professors. It also made me realize I want a school like Oxford that sees me for who I am beyond just my résumé.”
By participating, students gain confidence, clarity, and connections that support their transition from high school to higher education. “I hope the program gives students more confidence to take their future goals seriously, start planning now with their high school counselors and teachers, and envision themselves as successful in college,” says Gafnea.
For more information, visit the Oxford College Summer Experience Program page.
Photos and Video by Amber Tallent, Oxford Photo/Video
