I Go To College Program at Chaminade University of Honolulu, HI

The I Go To College program, begun in 2023 at Chaminade University, has been successful in creating a positive experience for young fifth-graders to get a taste of life at a College and University, thus instilling the desire to study beyond school. 

During Spring 2025, Chaminade University of Honolulu, HI, hosted 200 fifth-grade students from the Catholic schools of Hawaii to experience college life. This experience was part of the “I Go To College” program. Marianist Brother Ed Brink taught fifth graders in this program to instill early interest in college in their hearts and minds. According to a research study, experiences of college life through campus visits and mentoring can improve perceptions of college amongst at-risk middle school students.  

The young students engaged in different sessions taught by Chaminade faculty, including one session about Laudato Si’ and care for creation. At the end of the program, they attend a graduation ceremony and receive a diploma from the faculty of Chaminade University. 

Read the entire article and more articles in the Alive magazine Fall/Winter 2025