Cougars Rising Returns to Inspire the Next Generation of Students
For hundreds of Kalamazoo Public Schools middle school students, college won't feel like such a distant idea this spring.
Cougars Rising is back at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, inviting students to step onto the Texas Township Campus and imagine what their futures could look like. Beginning March 9, buses will roll in carrying students ready to explore classrooms, meet faculty and connect with current college students who were once in their shoes.
Now in its second year, the program is expected to surpass last year's participation of nearly 800 students. The continued growth reflects a shared commitment among local education partners to help rising high school students see college as an attainable and exciting next step long before high school graduation.
Cougars Rising is intentionally positioned early in the academic journey. The experience introduces middle schoolers to higher education while complementing the Bronco Buds program at Western Michigan University, which students attend in ninth grade. Together, the programs create a steady drumbeat of exposure, helping students build confidence and familiarity with college campuses over time.
But Cougars Rising is more than a campus tour.
Students will participate in interactive sessions, learn about academic pathways and discover resources designed to support them. They will hear directly from faculty and staff about what it takes to succeed and get the chance to meet current Kalamazoo Valley students who can share their own experiences.
The goal is simple: remove barriers, answer questions and plant seeds of possibility.
Kalamazoo Valley will host the following middle schools throughout March and April:
- Linden Grove: March 9 and 10
- Hillside: March 11 and 12
- Maple Street: March 23, 25 and 26
- Milwood: April 7, 8 and 9
As Cougars Rising continues to grow, so does its impact - ensuring more local students can see themselves not just visiting a college campus, but belonging there.