Heads up, eighth-graders in Tennessee, the opportunity to step onto a college campus and envision a future swathed in higher education just popped up on the calendar. The University of Tennessee at Martin's WestStar Leadership Program has flung open the gates for registration to its annual FutureStar Leadership Summit, set to unfold on Tuesday, Sept. 30. According to an announcement made by the university, students from all varieties of educational backgrounds—public, private, or homeschool—are eligible to participate.
Educators have long touted the transformative effects of higher education, and this summit aims to fan those flames of academic ambition—especially for students who, in the words of WestStar Leadership program manager Jahnae Johnson, "might need a little extra push to ignite the potential that they have." Explicitly targeting those who have never known the vibe of a college campus, the event serves as a primer to the world of academia, as reported by the University of Tennessee at Martin Newsroom.
The all-day program kicks off at the civil hour of 8:45 a.m. and wraps up around 1:45 p.m., slotting neatly into the schedules of busy teens and their guardians. Traditionally, the event draws in a crowd of about 60 to 70 students, making it a cozy yet comprehensive experience. UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman will be on deck with a welcome address, followed by an assortment of breakout sessions spearheaded by Demetrius Robinson, director of the Office of Career Planning and Development, the university's press release detailed.
Topping off the day is keynote speaker Dr. Darren Walker, fresh from the ranks of WestStar Leadership Program’s Class of 2025, and currently serving as assistant principal at Munford High School in Tipton County. Offering real-world insight, Walker exemplifies the WestStar program’s commitment to producing leaders who return to contribute to their communities. Registration for this cost-free summit, supported entirely by WestStar alumni, is currently active but will close its doors on Friday, Sept. 12. Middle schools interested in sending more than their allotted three students should reach out to Johnson, making sure they take the steps to fulfill a release form requirement set by the program for participation, as informed by the university's news release.
With the clock ticking towards the registration deadline, those interested shouldn’t sit on their hands. It's not just about getting a taste of college life, but potentially setting in motion a chain of events that could define a student's entire academic trajectory. For additional details on the program or to secure a spot at the FutureStar Leadership Summit, contact information and registration forms can be found through the university's announcement.
