Prospective Students
Why participate in Bearcats Academy?
Find and expand a network of support on- and off- campus (i.e., mentors; academic and professional guides)
Set and achieve life and career goals with guidance
Make more of your strengths (i.e., Leadership; Activism)
Scholarly preparation (i.e., Research; Study Skills)
Learn more about college and the path to college-entry (i.e., Test Prep, Scholarships, Majors, Common App)
Participate in enriching on-campus University of Cincinnati experiences
What do some of our community members have to say about Bearcats Academy?
CPS Guide
Kaylee Smith Thomas, past 8th and 9th grade English teacher at Taft High School.
"Bearcats Academy is an incredible opportunity for students to explore their academic and personal interests in an environment that is exciting, engaging, fun and challenging. Students who are a part of this program explore their future interests now, and that is both wildly exciting and deeply beneficial in creating positive futures for Cincinnati students."
CPS Student
Shantelle is a BA alum and graduate of Hughes High School.
"We get to see different parts of college before we actually get here, and not a lot of people get to do that. I learned a lot from the mentors. I thank everyone involved."
UC Mentor
Autumn Jenkins is a 3rd Year Marketing Major
"I absolutely love being able to answer questions and share my previous high school experience so that she can be better prepared and more aware of what’s to come. There are some questions about life, school, etc. that are easier to ask another student who is only two years older than you versus asking a teacher, counselor, or parent – and I love being there for all the questions thrown at me!"
UC Staff
Josie Evans-Phillips, past Director of Diversity & Inclusion in CECH.
"Bearcats Academy creates a space that allows educational access partners to come together for the success of a student. Whether a parent, mentor, teacher, faculty or staff member, we all can come together as partners to guide students on their path to discovery."
Why Mentoring?
The structure of mentoring in Bearcats Academy has many benefits for multiple people.
How can college and high school students create relationships to learn about how to approach challenges and the unknown in the road ahead?
Bearcats Academy aims to provide the environment for positive relationships that can inform good choices and present a network of resources that can benefit all involved.
What are the responsibilities of a Bearcats Academy participant?
A Bearcats Academy student, who wishes to be competitively eligible for four-year college enrollment upon graduation will:
Attend scheduled Bearcats Academy weekly CPS advisory-sponsored sessions
Actively participate in opportunities that will shape their future
Work towards success in college preparatory courses
Maintain a GPA that opens up doors to college acceptance
Prepare and take college entrance assessments
Participate in leadership and community service activities
Take responsibility for their learning and their learning environment
A Bearcats Academy family who wishes their student to be competitively eligible for four-year college enrollment upon graduation will:
Attend scheduled Bearcats Academy sponsored family sessions
Support student efforts in school and in community activities
Actively participate in activities that shape college opportunities
Encourage their student to do their best