Education feature: Kid's College offering new classes

Kid's College Summer 2012 at Clovis Community College starts June 4.

The program offers classes for students from ages 3 to 18, and include hands-on workshops and athletic camps.

Courtesy photo: Lisa Spencer

Children in Kid's College 2011 test out model volcanoes they created in Tishia Stewart's "VOLCANOES! In Clovis?" class.

Kid's College instructor Tishia Stewart said the program will provide children a healthy, creative outlet during the summer. Twenty-three classes will be offered this year.

New classes being offered include Zumba for children ages 8 to 15 and a class teaching children ages 8 and up the eating and hunting habits of an owl.

Classes in natural history and science will provide youngsters a hands-on learning experience with volcanoes and dinosaurs. In other classes, students will create arts and crafts to take home.

"We feel an accountability to reach out to young people," said Judith Spillane, director of Extended Learning at Clovis Community College. "We especially want to give them positive experiences at an early age at the college because that is going to shape their ideas about college in the future."

In an interactive science museum, children use standard and digital microscopes.

Spillane said Kid's College has been going on for more than 15 years and said she has noticed the program making a positive difference. She said 276 children registered for classes last year.

Stewart is teaching 14 Kid's College classes this summer.

"Summer is just one of those times of year where parents are looking for educational activities for their children that aren't just school, that are also fun," said Stewart, who also coaches volleyball and basketball at Yucca Middle School.

What: Kid's College Summer 2012

Where: Clovis Community College

When: June 4-July 27

Who can attend: Children ages 3-18

Cost: Varies by class

Information: Judith Spillane, 769-4190