The Davis New Mexico Scholarship and ROCA New Mexico are joining forces to host a groundbreaking event that is set to expand the college options of New Mexico’s rural high school students. The Rural College Access Bus Tour is a unique opportunity for high school students in Las Vegas, Pecos, Cimarron, Questa, Taos, and surrounding communities to explore higher education possibilities beyond the state’s borders.
The event will take place from November 7-9, featuring visits from prestigious colleges and universities, including the University of Portland, Vanderbilt University, the University of Chicago, St. Edward’s University, Southwestern University, and the University of Denver. Students will participate in engaging programming that combines informative workshops, inspiring discussions, and real-world insights from seasoned college admissions counselors and high school educators.
This initiative aims to broaden horizons and empower New Mexico’s youth to consider educational opportunities beyond the state. The event’s itinerary includes a series of workshops and panel discussions, enabling students to delve into the college admissions process, from crafting compelling applications to understanding the resources available for first-generation and rural students on college campuses.
Several college admissions counselors and high school counselors have expressed their enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its potential to ignite a desire for broader educational experiences. Christine Bowman, the Assistant Vice President of Admission at Southwestern University, shared her thoughts on the event, stating, “This initiative is a game-changer. Many talented students in New Mexico limit themselves to local colleges, unaware of the opportunities that await them in other states. The bus tour introduces them to world-class institutions and encourages them to dream bigger.”
The bus tour also incorporates engaging activities that provide hands-on experiences to participating students. The program includes activities such as debating mock common applications to gauge their potential for admission to a fictional university, and reading through mock common applications to gain insight into the power of storytelling through applications.
Matt Ybarra, the Director of ROCA, commented, “These activities make the college admissions process more approachable and demystify it for students. It’s no longer about simply filling out forms– it’s about telling your unique story.”
For more information about the event or to request interviews with organizers, participating colleges, and counselors, please contact: Hanna Negishi Levin | Associate Director, Davis New Mexico Scholarship | hlevin@davisnm.org
