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At Ģ����Ƶ University, the Kids on Campus program is a vibrant illustration of how university-community partnerships can shape young lives. Since its founding in 1996, the program has provided educational, nutritional and recreational opportunities, designed to empower children to reach their full potential. Through summer and after-school programs, Kids on Campus serves multiple school districts across Athens County and surrounding areas, giving children the chance to build skills, make friends and explore new horizons.

A hallmark of Kids on Campus is its collaboration with Ģ����Ƶ University departments and local organizations. By joining forces with campus programs, like the College of Engineering’s ASCENT program and the College of Health Sciences and Professions (CHSP) nursing program, the program offers unique hands-on learning that many children might not experience otherwise.

“We had a ton of partners this summer, and they really helped us provide the kids with a wide range of experiences,” said Matt Borror, partnership development coordinator for Kids on Campus.

Borror emphasized the value of these partnerships, noting that many of the children would not have been exposed to these experiences without the program’s collaborations.

Dean John McCarthy of CHSP also praised the program's efforts. 

“Kids on Campus, a rural community-university partnership through the College of Health Sciences and Professions, provides underserved children and their families educational, nutritional, and recreational opportunities in the summer and during the school year.”

Teens in the program were able to tour the university’s dining hall, learn about career opportunities through a campus tour, and explore the athletic training program with hands-on activities. 

“We’re able to create memorable experiences for campers through hands-on activities like yoga, field trips, and STEM exploration," McCarthy added. "By working together with local organizations, this program fosters a spirit of collaboration and enriches our entire community.”

Summer at Kids on Campus is a mix of learning and laughter, with activities like yoga, kayaking, ziplining and STEM projects. The Science Van visit was a major highlight, as it brought an entire mobile lab to campus, letting kids experiment with everything from physics to biology. The excitement of the young participants was clear as they explored everything from physics to biology in this mobile science lab.

The culmination of these experiences was showcased in a documentary video, premiering at the  on July 19. The 14-minute video recapped the summer’s events and offered participants and their families a chance to see all they had accomplished.

“It was really fun for all the kids to see themselves on the big screen,” Borror said.

The documentary not only served as a fun recap but also as a source of empowerment, showing the kids that their efforts and participation were valued.

Kids on Campus continues to expand its reach, with a focus on maintaining and growing its partnerships to ensure that all participants have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. 

This dedication aligns with McCarthy's priorities for CHSP, particularly the goal of fostering strong community and University connections. As the program looks toward the future, securing sustainable funding and continuing to diversify partnerships remain key objectives.

Through these efforts, Kids on Campus not only serves as a model for other communities but also as a testament to what can be achieved when universities and communities work together to make a difference.