Vermilion Parish students visit different college campuses

College is a giant step in the lives of young people.
More than a dozen high school juniors and seniors in Vermilion Parish recently had an opportunity to step on multiple college campuses ahead of their future decisions.
Nehemiah Projects of Acadiana has helped students see college campuses through its newly created College Tours, part of its Pathways Forward program. Stops included the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Southern University in Baton Rouge, and Nicholls State University in Thibodaux.
Kristin Moore, the director of youth initiatives for Nehemiah Projects, based in Abbeville, attended the Abbeville City Council meeting on Dec. 19 to provide an update. They previously discussed the program with the city council in October.
“Our Pathways Forward program has kicked off really well this year,” Moore said. “The kids and parents we had are very dedicated and passionate.”
Moore commended that group for that dedication.
“Each of these four tours were early morning tours on a Saturday,” Moore said. “Imagine getting your teenage child up on a Saturday to go on a tour when they would rather be in bed.
“I thank all the parents for getting those kids up and to the kids for coming.”
In total, 30 students took part in the four tours.
“Each tour varied,” Moore explained. “Some kids went on all four tours. Some kids have jobs and couldn’t make all of the tours.”
Moore said this group included many students who display a strong work ethic, both academically and outside of school. She added that those involved with the program also desire to reach students who need more encouragement.
“That’s where I want to go next,” Moore said. “I want to find those kids who are not as driven. I want to give them the push they need to be successful.”
Along with the tours, Moore said the students attended two monthly meetings to research the colleges.
“A lot of kids don’t know how to research colleges that best fit them,” Moore said. “They may think they want to go to LSU or a big college, but their personality is a better fit for smaller class sizes. We’re getting them to understand that you can research those things before you apply.”
Moore said she also understands that applying for college may not be in every student’s path forward.
“We are thinking about our workforce,” Moore said. “A lot of kids are not going to go to college. Moving forward, we are going to be tackling the workforce. We want to let those kids know that kind of jobs are the best fit for them. We will be pushing them as well.”
Moore thanked Nehemiah’s board of directors members for allowing this initiative to grow. Moore also showed appreciation toward everyone in the community who has helped the Pathways Forward program gain momentum.
“I have to thank the entire city of Abbeville and Vermilion Parish in general,” Moore said. “People have been sharing what we are doing and sending us resources. People are volunteering their time to be with us. I can’t thank the city, our students, and their parents enough.
“This has been awesome.”