It’s Monday morning and for the half-asleep, zombie-like students making their way to class, their morning walk got a little shaken up as 500 fifth graders took over UCF.
The Burnett Honors College hosted their annual Achieve a College Education, or Ace Day benefiting local Title 1 elementary schools.
The event is organized to give fifth graders the opportunity to shadow college students and experience what college is like. According to Kelly Astro, the Director of Research and Civic Engagement, it’s all about planting that seed in their minds. Fifth graders from Pineloch, Winegard, Shingle Creek, Lake Weston, and McCoy attended workshops with UCF faculty in a range of studies, from nursing to astronomy, to theater and biology.
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Astro explained they can only host as many fifth graders as they can afford, but their goal is to fill the Pegasus Ballroom someday. That’s where the day started with a pep rally hosted by UCF cheerleaders. A highlight for many kids was their Firehouse Sub lunch, which they enjoyed alongside Knightro, at the Reflection Pond. Astro said that the day’s activities would not be possible without the help of all the students who volunteered.
The funding for Ace Day came primarily from a grant from Orlando SOUP, a micro-granting dinner for creative projects in the Orlando community. Members of the community chose Ace Day among the four projects that were presented, which awarded Ace Day with $700 for its funding.
For Daniel Washburn, a senior and industrial engineering major, Ace Day means a lot as he has mentored quite a bit. He believes every kid should have the opportunity to attend college if he or she chooses.
“I think it’s realistic for anyone to go [to college]. I think the more support they have from their family members and friends, and more acceptance of it would be beneficial,” Washburn said.
