WHAT IS AIMS?

Project AIMS (Activating Interest in Minority Students) is an initiative by Western Kentucky University and the Commonwealth of Kentucky (the Governor's Minority Student College Preparation Program) to complement other campus and community activities in better preparing minority students for entry into college. Western Kentucky University has had the opportunity to host Project: AIMS since 1988. During this time, Project: AIMS has served as an outstanding enrichment conduit for middle school students. Through role models, mentoring, parental involvement, and early counselor intervention and support, AIMS is an excellent resource for students.

Junior high and middle school students from Warren, Barren, Logan, and Simpson counties participate in enrichment programs designed to promote academic achievement, career and cultural awareness, leadership skills, and to encourage them to establish long-term educational goals beyond high school. The purpose of these enrichment programs is to foster the participants’ learning in various areas and for them to leave each session with a new knowledge and experiences that are adaptable to many functions and domains in life.

 

The Office of Diversity Programs at Western Kentucky University is responsible for the coordination and implementation of Project: AIMS.

The goals of Project: AIMS encompass:

§ Making minority students aware of the benefits and values of a college education.

§ Providing students and parents with strategies that will aid in their enrollment and persistence toward college graduation.

§ Providing activities that will encourage the development of versatility, nurture cultural enrichment, and broaden students’ horizons.

§ Providing academic enrichment activities that will strengthen analytical skills and assist participants with the transition to secondary and postsecondary educational settings.

These goals are accomplished by activities that include Saturday enrichment programs, a summer educational and cultural enhancement component, and a supplemental academic program.