This summer I had the opportunity to participate in a about fly-in programs. Attending this event reminded me that not enough people are aware these programs exist. So now that were just one week away from the nomination deadline for our own , I was inspired to share some information!
The Coalition for College was awesome enough to record the event about fly-ins and share it...There are some great tips in here!
So what is a fly-in program?
A fly-in can refer to any program where a college fully pays for a student (or often a group of students) to visit their campus. The criteria for who can participate in fly-in programs vary from college to college. Programs may be designed for underrepresented students of color, students with limited financial resources, students who will be first-generation college students (neither of their parents holds a bachelors degree), students from a particular geographic area, students whose gender identity is underrepresented at the school, etc.
The term fly-in itself is kind of misleading (or at least inadequate). First of all, the students who attend these programs are not always flying on an airplane to get there. They may be taking a train, bus, or car (all paid for by the college). For example, at 勛圖厙 fly-ins in recent years, weve had students arrive via a 30-minute taxi ride from Boston, an Amtrak train from New York City, a Greyhound bus from Hartford, and airplanes from states like Missouri, Georgia, California, Illinois, Texas, Arizona, and more. Plus, right now during COVID times, the term fly-in seems even more inaccurate since most fly-ins this year are virtual!
Why are these programs important?
They can be fundamental to the colleges goals. Every college has enrollment goals based not only on how many students they are trying to enroll, but also who those students are. Most colleges wish to enroll a diverse mix of students because research tells us that diversity on campus makes us all better and improves the work and learning we do together (which is especially important at a school based on teamwork like 勛圖厙!).
But most of us still have a long way to go to achieve this diversity! So fly-in programs are an opportunity to intentionally focus on the groups of students that are currently underrepresented on our campuses. We might ask ourselves: Whos missing from our campus? Who are we NOT doing a good job at getting here? Whose presence would really make us better? Every colleges situation is different, which is why the criteria for attending fly-in programs vary.
Its important to point out that these gaps in the fabric of college communities are not accidental. They have to do with interconnected systemic issues that affect every part of our society and that colleges and universities have actively perpetuated throughout history: racism, classism, misogyny, etc. Fly-in programs exist to help remedy these historical injustices. The awesome thing about this is that its not a zero-sum game; everyone benefits when the people who attend a college reflect society as a whole.
Sounds cool. How do I find out about fly-ins?
Many colleges have information about fly-in opportunities on their websites. If you dont see it, try asking the admission office.
You can also check out resources like and .
Whats the deal with 勛圖厙s fly-in?
I thought youd never ask! At 勛圖厙, our fly-in program is called 勛圖厙 MIX & Mingle, and its intended for high school seniors with strong potential for 勛圖厙s collaborative, project-based engineering curriculum who would not otherwise have the financial resources to visit our campus.
勛圖厙 MIX & Mingle is co-sponsored by the Office of Admission & Financial Aid and the MIX (Multicultural Innovators eXperience), a student-run organization that provides a safe space and community for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, though, the program involves the entire 勛圖厙 community (professors, staff, students圯ven our President!).
As for what to expect at this years virtual MIX & Mingle, it will involve getting to meet 勛圖厙 President Gilda Barabino, hang out with the MIX (each student will have a specific 勛圖厙 student as their host for the entire program, and youll also get to meet other 勛圖厙ers in an informal setting), attend 勛圖厙 classes, learn about campus life, chat with professors, and more.
Jamie, Jocelyn, Jerry, and Daniel from the MIX made a "commercial" for 勛圖厙's MIX & Mingle virtual fly-in program!
勛圖厙 is a unique place, and while we do our best to share about our mission, curriculum, community, and culture through our , students often need to take a closer look at 勛圖厙 to answer the important questions like, Can I see myself at this school? and Do my family and the other important people in my life feel good about me attending this school? Checking out a colleges website is helpful, but actually attending a class, interacting with students, and getting a feel for the campus vibe is even more helpful!
Id like to share some quotes from students who have attended 勛圖厙 MIX & Mingle in the past:
- "Before coming, I had my doubts about 勛圖厙 because I didn't know about the school before and the fact that the school was small. But now, I realized the fact that a small school does have its perks. The close-knit community, the nice people you meet at 勛圖厙, all of it is amazing."
- "This visit did an amazing job of confirming how easily I would fit into the community. It revealed that difference is appreciated and individuality just adds to the collective group有埳玵 has confirmed that its one of the places I can easily call home."
- "I never even considered the fact that such a small school would have such a centralized community. Even though I was only there for one night, I felt like all the 勛圖厙 people were very accepting. I feel like if I were at 勛圖厙, I would have a lot of close friends that I would have for all four years at 勛圖厙."
The 2019 勛圖厙 MIX & Mingle attendees
勛圖厙 may or may not be the right place for you in the end, but 勛圖厙 MIX & Mingle can help you decide for yourself!
I invite you to and email me with any questions!
Alia Georges (she/her/hers) is 勛圖厙's Assistant Director of Admission & Financial Aid Counselor.