Southwest Texas Kids’ College Ignites Passion for Learning
Held June 2–5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the popular summer event offered a “mini-college” experience designed to introduce young learners to the excitement of college life—while building skills across disciplines ranging from science to the arts. PHOTOS
A Head Start on Higher Learning
Day one kicked off with high energy and eager faces as students rotated through sessions in Psychology (“Exploring Emotions” with MHDD), Science (“Uvalde Bees & Honey” with SWTX Instructor Xaviera Haynes and Dr. Mitchel Burchfield), Physical Education (“Self-Defense” with Castano BJJ), and Fine Arts (“Rock Garden Crafts” with SWTX Staff Member Amanda Lopez and Children’s Bereavement Center’s Michelle Ramirez). According to college staff, students quickly hit their stride, diving into the material with a mix of curiosity and creativity.
“It’s only Day 1, and we’re already impressed by their curiosity, kindness, and smarts,” said one staff member. “These kids are not just learning—they’re thriving.”
Growing Hearts and Minds
Day two built on that momentum, featuring enriching sessions in Sociology (UMH Paul Flores), Organizational Leadership (with Big Brother-JJ Suarez), Wildlife Management (SWTX Wildlife Faculty & Friends), and Kinesiology (SWTX Coach Fowler). Highlights included group activities exploring respect for diverse perspectives, teamwork-building exercises, and a close-up look at the world of quails.
The day brought new opportunities for students to grow—not just academically, but socially. Staff noted how students were learning to value each other’s perspectives, take initiative in group settings, and support their peers with kindness.
Hands-On Discovery
By day three, Kids’ College was in full stride. The young scholars engineered and raced their own mini cars with the STEM Mentors, performed mock “jello surgery” while learning the basics in the brand-new Surgical Technology class and OR lab, and experienced the gentler side of science with veterinary lessons and a petting zoo visit from Makenna’s Legacy Therapy Farm. Music Appreciation rounded out the day with SWTX Instructor Alyssa Gomez, with students experimenting with instruments and discovering the joy of rhythm.
Volunteers observed that students were becoming more confident and collaborative. From building race cars to navigating “surgery,” their creativity was matched by a growing sense of curiosity and teamwork.
Final Day of Fun and Inspiration
As Kids’ College wrapped up on day four, students gathered for a closing ceremony that celebrated their week of learning. Each participant received a certificate of completion, and graduating 5th graders were recognized for reaching the end of their Kids' College journey with pride and enthusiasm.
The celebration continued outdoors with a lively carnival hosted on the college grounds. From cotton candy and pizza to classic games, prizes, and smiling faces, the event capped off the week with laughter, connection, and joy. It was a fitting finale to a program designed to make learning feel both magical and meaningful.
Organized annually by Southwest Texas College and held on the Uvalde campus, the program emphasizes physical fitness, wellness, art, and STEM education in an engaging and age-appropriate setting. Its success is thanks in large part to dedicated college staff, student mentors, and community volunteers.
With spots filling fast each year, Kids’ College continues to serve as a bright spot for families looking to spark a love of learning early on. As one parent said during pickup: “I wish I had this when I was a kid.”