Manchester University hosted 105 campers from 26 Indiana high schools for its third-annual NxtGen Leadership Camp from July 6-10.
The NxtGen Program on Campus is a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for community youth.
The program aims to increase opportunities for Indiana youth to participate in learning experiences on college campuses that expose them to Indiana’s higher education institutions, while also providing them with experiences that will help prepare them for success in college and beyond.
The camp is hosted at no cost to campers, and a $250 stipend is provided to every participant at the end of the week to ease the financial burdens of the students and their families.
Camp highlights this year included academic exploration at both campuses, team building, college preparation and experience, leadership development, and a trip to Camp Mack.
In addition to participating in academic and leadership sessions, campers also completed a service project for Humane Fort Wayne, bagging and delivering more than 1,000 pounds of dog food.
One student said, “Going to the North Manchester and Fort Wayne campuses was impactful to me because it showed me the environment of a college. I’ve never truly been able to explore one before and it was a beneficial experience.”
“NxtGen is about providing students with the opportunity to explore who they are and begin imagining what their future could look like,” said Tish Kalita, executive director of experiential learning and external relations. “Through this experience, we hope students begin to see college not just as an option, but as an attainable and meaningful next step toward the life they envision for themselves. We can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.”
For the media
Contact Tish Kalita at LNKalita@manchester.edu for more information.
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Our mission and values
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
