Eva Kramer takes in the sights, sounds and culture of the University of Chicago after participating in a summer program for rural high schoolers.
Kramer takes advantage of collegiate summer program aimed at rural students
The ivy-covered buildings at the University of Chicago are simply something students need to see in person to fully appreciate.
Eva Kramer got that opportunity this summer thanks to a scholarship and grant just for rural students, and she wants other high schoolers to know opportunities like this are out there.
The homeschooled senior from Holyoke applied and received a scholarship for a summer program through the University of Chicago called Emerging Rural Leaders.
As part of the four-week program, which was all held online due to COVID-19, Kramer participated in a one-week series of workshops and activities that gave her an introduction to college life. The other three weeks were spent immersed in an academic course.
Out of several course options, Kramer chose a collegiate writing class. “It was amazing,” she said, noting that it was actually a very intense three weeks of reading, writing and studying.
“It really helped my confidence going into college,” she said.
Kramer said students had to be from an area with a population less than 21,000 to qualify for this program. Even though some of the students in her program aren’t quite as rural as she is, it was a wonderful opportunity for teenagers who live outside of metro areas to see what a major university has to offer.
After completing the course, Kramer was awarded a $1,000 travel grant to visit the University of Chicago in person. This summer, Eva, her parents and her sister packed their bags and headed to Illinois for an official campus tour, information session and a meeting with a scholarship director.
Financial matters can be confusing for prospective college students. “We’ve been going into it blind,” said Kramer. She commended the University of Chicago for helping her research issues that affect those from rural areas and from farming families.
Kramer, who is thinking about studying visual arts or film after high school, has been looking at several schools in addition to the University of Chicago. Her advice to other students her age: “Try to take the opportunities you’re given,” and “Ask for help as much as you need it.”
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