Oklahoma's scholars program for 8th graders

Wednesday, April 7th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A new program is on a mission to get 8th graders on the road to success. The Oklahoma Scholars program has professional volunteers who go into the classroom and motivate students to take courses in high school that better prepare them for college and getting a job.

A volunteer from Mid First Bank spoke at Carver Middle School Wednesday about why it's important for them to get going at an early age. Melvin Gilliam: "They do it for all 8th graders because 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, basically they are making them aware of the academic expectance. If you take these type of classes it will better prepare you for college, which will better prepare you for the world, which you'll get a better job, and just have a better life overall."

Students in the scholars program in other states have higher test scores and better college graduation rates.