Independent and driven, United High School Senior Brock Horstman was looking for a challenge last year. Having turned 18 at the end of his junior year, he was ready for more exposure than what he'd found.  

"We needed something that would keep him engaged," his mother Nancy Horstman said. "At first, getting a year of college paid for was the main draw, but he was just done with high school and needed something else."

Consequently, when his guidance counselor told Brock about the Seniors to Sophomore program at the Kent State Columbiana County Campuses he thought he'd take a look. Seniors to Sophomores, which is a post-secondary enrollment option (PSEO), allows Brock and other area high school students the opportunity to attend college classes for free. What's unique to Seniors to Sophomores is that students attend college classes in the morning with other area high schoolers before returning to their respective schools in the afternoon. 

“I love it,” he said of his experience thus far. “It’s giving me an opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise, plus I get to meet lots of other high school students.”

Brock says the program involves less homework, but more personal responsibility. “As long as you learn it, you’re good,” he said of the course material. “This is a great way to ease yourself into college.”

In high school Brock felt he wasn’t that engaged, which was having an effect on his performance. “Here, there is a lot of maturity, which really helped my grades out,” he said. “Before, I was being pulled down by people who didn’t care about their grades.”

Brock and his family find that the program suits Brock’s personality and independence. It also fits their budget.  “We’re middle class,” Brock said of his family. “This is one way to get ahead.” His mom agreed. “Because of what college costs are, any classes you can get for free are great,” she said.

Area high school students and their parents have an opportunity to learn more about the program on Thursday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in room 117 of the Kent State Salem Campus. The school is located at 2491 St. Rt. 45S in Salem. For more information and to make a reservation, please call 330-332-0361 or go on-line to www.col.kent.edu/academics/s2s/index.cfm  

To read more about Brock’s experience, visit http://seniors2sophs.blogspot.com/ .