WARREN — The Inspiring Minds Warren-Youngstown schools chapter visited Kent State University’s Trumbull campus this week to gain career knowledge and participate in learning activities, part of a six-week summer enrichment program.

The curriculum ensures students have valuable use of their summer time while out of traditional school district classes.

Wednesday’s experience featured a youth college expo day, hosted by Inspiring Minds and the Trumbull campus. The workshop brought in students of grades 3-8 from Warren and Youngstown.

Program Administrator Jessica Winters said this was the first college expo event hosted with the university, and students were able to enjoy a range of activities throughout multiple campus buildings.

Ethan Wade, 12, who attends St. Rose Catholic School in Girard, is entering his sixth year with the Inspiring Minds program. He said he enjoys going during the summer because it’s different from general schooling. His favorite part of being with the group is field trips and seeing new places.

“We’re doing pre-college stuff, thinking about what you would want to do in college, and what college you would see yourself attending,” Ethan said. “I’m a student-athlete, so I would like to play basketball. But if that doesn’t work out, I want to be an entrepreneur and pursue my own dreams, maybe being a graphic designer working with a clothing or shoe brand.”

“The teachers are young, so they understand us,” Ethan added. “And also, even if they’re older, they still understand us because they know how to respond and how to act. They respect us, and we respect them.”

Ethan will be entering the seventh grade and he hopes to attend Ursuline or Warren G. Harding for high school.

Learning exercises included career aspiration presentations, critical thinking, team-based challenges and college / career readiness.

During the financial literacy learning, in particular, the youngest students in the room were asked by Nicolette Fenlock, enrollment management and student services director, to decipher between needs and wants. Many of the students, fourth grade and younger, jokingly attempted to push their case for the popular Roblox game as being a necessity.

A police academy activity involved students getting sprinting speeds timed by a Champion police officer’s radar gun.

“We hit on a range of different things because we want to bring education and fun to the students,” said K-8 Coordinator Renda White. “I think the most resourceful of the activities were the Zulu boxing, which teaches discipline, and the college and career readiness. We try to introduce them to college and put them on a campus at an early age to try, so they can see if it is something for them.”

As the free, eight-hour per day, six-week program goes on, target points in addition to the college expo include personal development, nutrition and health and hygiene.