CHSD 218 Freshmen to Visit Area Colleges This Spring

Community High School District 218 (CHSD 218) is taking its freshmen on a free field trip to area colleges this spring.

All ninth graders have the opportunity to visit Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) in Palos Hills and the University of Illinois Chicago. The tours will run from late February through April.

“This could be a transformational experience for our students,” said Dr. Josh Barron, Superintendent of Community High School District 218. “When our students walk onto a college campus early in their high school experience, they start to see what’s possible. They begin connecting their interests to programs, careers and goals. That sense of possibility can be powerful.”

The visits align with Illinois’ Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) framework, which requires school districts to implement career exploration and development activities for students in grades 6-12. College exploration is a key freshman milestone, and research shows that early exposure plays a critical role in helping students envision their futures. According to the National College Access Network, early awareness can be an effective strategy for increasing college access and success.

Continuing education remains a popular choice for CHSD 218 students. According to a survey of more than 1,100 students in the Class of 2025, about 75% of graduating students planned to pursue either a two-year or four-year degree. District data also shows that nursing, technology and communication are the most popular areas of study among students.

Most of CHSD 218’s college visits will take place at Moraine Valley Community College, an institution that supports a wide range of postsecondary pathways. MVCC not only encourages students pursuing traditional degree programs, but also those interested in certificate and career-focused programs, making it an ideal setting for early exploration.

Each visit to Moraine Valley Community College will include an overview of the campus and its academic offerings, including Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment opportunities to CHSD 218 students through the district’s partnership with MVCC.

“It’s never too early to start thinking about college, especially considering the rise in dual credit classes at high schools, not just locally but nationally,” said Madisson Younglove, Moraine Valley assistant director of communications. “As freshmen, students can start earning college credit through classes in their high schools, and the sooner they do that, the sooner they can complete college and begin their career. Moraine Valley offers campus tours for school groups which give junior high and high school students the opportunity to meet college faculty and staff, see classroom and lab spaces and even hear from current students on campus. Through a tour, students can begin to see themselves at Moraine Valley years before they are a college student.”

Transportation and lunch will be provided. CHSD 218 extends its gratitude to Northwestern Medicine for honoring a district grant and covering the cost of bussing and transportation, ensuring equitable access for all freshmen.

Students may register for a college tour through the Events page in SchooLinks and must submit a completed permission form to their Counseling Department prior to attending.