Blue Devil Notebook: College for Kids offers education disguised as fun

Looking for something to keep the kids entertained this summer?

Merced College’s summer youth enrichment program, College for Kids, can fill up part of their schedule with activities that are fun, as well as educational.

Now in its 39th year, College for Kids will run June 15 through July 30. Administered through Merced College’s Community Services Department, College for Kids is one of a handful of such programs still offered on community college campuses in the state.

“We have experienced instructors who look forward to spending their summers with the kids on the Merced College campus,” said Shelly Conner, dean of Economic and Workforce Development, Community Services & Non-Credit Programs.

“College for Kids was founded in 1976 and has something for everyone – from cooking classes to sports camps to math preparation courses,” Conner said. “Children from grades 2-8 will find something to make their summertime great.”

College for Kids is designed for students going into the fourth grade through eighth grade. However, ages vary for aquatics, sports camps and some enrichment classes. The program schedule is conducted in three sessions: Session I runs June 15-25, Session II is July 6-16 and Session III runs July 20-30.

Most classes are $60-$65, but some, such as individual sports camps and aquatics, will have different fees. Registration covers enrollment fees and supplies, unless otherwise noted. It does not cover the cost of snacks, meals or other related expenses.

Thanks to generous contributions from the Educational Employees Credit Union, scholarships are offered to cover full or partial registration. Scholarships are given as funds are available and upon approval of an application by the scholarship committee. A separate form must be completed for each applicant and returned to the Community Services office.

To learn more about College for Kids classes and to apply for scholarships, call the Merced College Community Services office at (209) 384-6224, or visit www.mercedcommunityservices.com.

Classified School Employees Week

Joining their colleagues around the state, Merced College’s 245 classified employees will celebrate Classified School Employees Week from May 17-23. The theme is “Engaging Learners, Inspiring Leaders.”

Classified employees and guests will gather May 21for a barbecue lunch at Aggie Park on the Merced campus.

The California School Employees Association, of which Merced College is Chapter 274, was founded in 1927. Gov. Ronald Reagan first proclaimed Classified School Employee Week in 1969, stating, “The classified employee is proud of his status and the integral part he plays in the total field of education throughout the State of California.”

The California School Employees Association represents more than 215,000 dedicated classified employees in California public schools and community colleges who perform the work that keeps our schools and community colleges up and running, including school security, food services, office and clerical staff, school maintenance and operations, academic assistance, transportation, library and media assistance, and computer services.

This story was originally published April 13, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Blue Devil Notebook: College for Kids offers education disguised as fun."